HC Deb 31 March 1943 vol 388 cc168-9
37. Captain Alan Graham

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in order to diminish overcrowding and confusion amongst passengers in the tubes of the various London underground railways, he will largely increase the number of "Keep to the Left" notices; and whether he will consider putting up similar notices in French and Polish?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am informed that the number of directional notices in tube stations has been considerably increased since the beginning of the war. Where possible, the opposing streams of traffic are segregated; where this cannot be done, I am asking the authorities to consider whether it would be of advantage to erect more notices. I am afraid that the addition of notices in French and Polish would tend to reduce the value of the existing notices.

Captain Graham

While thanking my hon. Friend for the reply, has it occurred to him that it is precisely those foreign linguists who in their own countries invariably keep to the right and therefore there is rather a special need for this?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I think that most of our gallant Allies have now learnt enough English to be able to read and understand "Keep to the Left."