HC Deb 15 April 1946 vol 421 cc2349-50
71. Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is considering improving the train services to and from Hull by providing more trains with through coaches and reducing the time taken and, in particular, improving the Sunday services so that large numbers of passengers do not have to stand for the journey to Doncaster and on joining main line trains which are full.

72. Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

asked the Minister of Transport when the through train service from King's Cross to Hull, and vice versa, will be improved.

Mr. Barnes

Since October, 1945, there have been three through trains in each direction on week-days between London and Hull and in addition five services from London and four from Hull involving a change at Doncaster. As from Monday, 6th May, one additional service will be provided in each direction, involving a change en route. Further improvements of weekday and Sunday services will be made when the resources of the railway company permit. Journey times on this route were accelerated by up to 56 minutes in October, 1945. Further accelerations must depend upon rehabilitation of the track and locomotives.

Commander Pursey

While I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, may I ask him if he will have a thorough investigation made into the services to and from Hull, and ask the railway companies whether they will consider putting on extra coaches at Doncaster, where they have plenty, to avoid the overcrowding which takes place there?

Mr. Barnes

Not long ago the services between London and Doncaster were improved.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is all the difference in the world between a through coach and a through train? Accommodation between London and Hull is hopelessly inadequate, and it is quite common for both first class and third class passengers to have to stand all the way between London and Hull.

Forward to