HC Deb 22 April 1937 vol 322 cc1899-900
62. Sir Reginald Blair

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the overcrowding on the Edgware and Morden tube, he will make representations that the fares from Stanmore, Middlesex, be made to correspond with those from Edgware, and so assist to ease the existing congestion?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)

I am assured that the board will take all practicable steps at the earliest opportunity to bring about greater uniformity between these fares and those charged on their Edgware line.

Mr. Kelly

Can we have something more definite than that statement? Is there the possibility of these fares being brought into line with those on the tubes, so that the disgraceful overcrowding which now takes place may be eased?

Captain Hudson

I think it follows from my answer that this matter is under active consideration, and therefore there is the possibility that that desirable state of affairs will be brought about.

Mr. Attlee

Is it not a fact that this is controlled by the main line railways, who prevent the bringing down of the local services because of the fares on their lines, which nobody uses?

Mr. Kelly

Is there any likelihood of an early settlement and decision being made known to us?

Captain Hudson

I will do my best to try to see that an early decision is come to.