HC Deb 04 August 1943 vol 391 cc2284-5
39. Mr. Thorne

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why the Tidal Basin Station on the London and North Eastern Railway in the Borough of West Ham, has been closed, as the station serves a big working population; and what action he intends taking in the matter?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The number of passenger journeys made from this station in 1942 was only 4 per cent. of the number made in 1939. The regional transport commissioner ascertained that the few passengers still using the station could be carried by the existing road services. The station was, therefore, closed, in order that the staff of seven might be transferred to other places where additional personnel was urgently required.

Mr. Thorne

Is my hon. Friend aware that this station is right in the middle of a working, factory and dock population, and that passengers have now to walk three-quarters of a mile?

Mr. Noel-Baker

That is not my information. During 1942 the traffic was so small that passenger receipts were under £1 a day. I do not think we can justify keeping seven men on the station for that traffic. If the traffic is increased and my hon. Friend will give me the facts I will look into them again.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Was it not waste on the part of the railway companies to keep so many people on that job?