§ 44. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what provisions he is making to enable the travelling public to obtain access to lavatories on long-distance trains.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerNobody regrets more than I do the present inevitable discomforts of long-distance railway travel, but when a train is so crowded that the corridors are full, I am afraid that I do not, as at present advised, see any practical method of ensuring that all the passengers can reach the lavatories. I am, however, considering what measures, if any, can be taken to deal with the problem.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesIs my hon. Friend aware that on many long-distance trains the lavatories are occupied by persons who can find no standing space in corridors, and that in the train from Chester to London in which I travelled three soldiers stood inside the lavatory all the way?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir, I appreciate the great difficulties to which my hon. Friend refers. I think the most hopeful measure would be to limit the loading of trains but I should not like to commit myself to that without very full consideration.
§ Professor SavoryWould it be possible for these long-distance trains to stop for a longer period at the stations, so as to enable passengers in great distress to get relief?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir, that is another measure I am considering, but my hon. Friend will realise that it raises a very large matter.
§ Sir F. SandersonIs my hon. Friend aware that all the windows in the corridors of these long-distance trains are sealed, giving no ventilation whatever, and in view of the large numbers of passengers having to stand in trains, would he also see that this is remedied?