§ 40. Mr. F. Andersonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that passengers travelling on the 11.38 a.m. train from Whitehaven on arrival at Barrow-in-Furness have found the connectional services for the South have already departed thus causing passengers to wait on an open platform for long periods before the next train departs; and whether he will arrange to have this matter put right?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI have asked the railway authorities to consider whether it is-possible to retime the 11.5 a.m. train from Workington to give a greater margin at Barrow for connection with the 1.35 p.m. train from Barrow to Euston.
§ Mr. AndersonIs the Minister aware that there is very serious dissatisfaction over this matter, and that as many as 120 passengers sometimes miss their connection at Barrow-in-Furness? Is there any reason why suitable steps should not now be taken for through trains all the way from Workington to Carnforth instead of passengers changing at Barrow, when there are hundreds of passengers weekly who have to change at Barrow-in-Furness?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI will inquire into the-possibility of through trains, but my hon. Friend will realise that it would not be practicable at present to put on extra trains owing to the pressure on locomotives.
§ Mr. AndersonI hope that meanwhile steps will be taken to see that that train is held at Barrow until the connection is, made.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe express is held for five minutes if that will make the connection possible. We cannot hold it longer, because it would upset the whole working of the train to the South.
§ Mr. AndersonI beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.