HC Deb 19 March 1941 vol 370 cc143-4
16. Mr. Butcher

asked the Minister of Transport when instructions were given to the London and North Eastern Railway Company that sailors, soldiers and Air Force men should be permitted to travel first-class when sufficient third-class seating accommodation is not provided; and whether he will have inquiry made as to whether these instructions were observed on the 5.50 train from King's Cross on Friday, 14th March?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

The instructions were given on 23rd July, 1940, and I am advisd that there is no evidence that they were not observed on the occasion to which my hon. Friend refers. The passengers who joined the train were, however, 300 in excess of the seating accommodation available, and arrangements have been made to run a relief train on Friday next, 21st March.

Mr. Butcher

While thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that two naval ratings were removed under the direct supervision of the stationmaster from the carriage in which I was travelling? Will he take steps to prevent this sort of thing happening again?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

Did my hon. Friend say there was no alternative accommodation?

Mr. Butcher

Yes.

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

And that the ratings stood in a corridor?

Mr. Butcher

They were removed from the first-class accommodation.

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

Where were they put?

Mr. Butcher

I understand they were turned out on to the platform.

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I will look into that matter.