§ 39. Mr. Shephardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will issue an Order 1538 making it compulsory to seat four aside in first-class railway carriages if there are first-class passengers for whom no seats are available?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)Some first-class compartments are so constructed that they normally seat four a side, or five a side with the armrests raised; others are so constructed that not more than three can sit in reasonable comfort. In view of these facts, I think my hon. Friend will agree that an Order in the terms which he proposes would not be desirable. I am glad to assure him, however, that the railway staff have been told that, where the construction of the compartment permits, arm rests must be raised if the accommodation is required. In all such compartments notices have been put up, informing the passengers that there are four seats a side.