§ 15. Mr. Derek Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Transport why the 6.40 p.m. train from Liverpool Street to Hertford on 736 the evening of 2nd December was 51 minutes late in arriving at Waltham Cross, a distance of only 12¾; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the train-users of Hertfordshire from such delays.
§ Mr. BarnesOn 2nd December engine maintenance difficulties at the locomotive depot delayed the start of the 6.40 p.m. train from Liverpool Street to Hertford for 19 minutes. At Tottenham the engine failed and time was lost in changing it. A further 10 minutes were lost because the train was then running out of schedule, and I am informed that it arrived at Waltham Cross 40 minutes late. I regret that, in present circumstances, it is not practicable to avoid delays of this kind.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithIs the Minister aware that these delays are sadly typical of the line running from Liverpool Street to Hertford; will he not take some measures to try to get this service better; and, finally, is he aware that the only reason I do not give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment is because I have already been balloting for some time in order to do so?
§ Mr. BarnesI quite appreciate the difficulties on this line. It is not easy in a matter of months to overtake the deterioration of the past years.