§ 37. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of War Transport if he has considered the complaints concerning the train service between Liverpool Street and Witham, Essex, contained in a letter forwarded to him on 29th January by the honourable Member for Maldon; if he is aware that the service on this line has deteriorated in recent months; and what steps he is taking to improve it.
§ Mr. Barnes:Yes, Sir; I regret the time-keeping of this service has deteriorated during the winter months. The principal causes have been shortage of experienced staff; poor performance of locomotives due to inadequate maintenance during the war years and inferior quality coal; speed restrictions due to permanent way repairs; and heavy passenger traffic necessitating longer stops at stations and the running of relief trains which at times impede the scheduled trains. I have been in consultation with the railway companies about train delays generally and they have assured me that they are taking all practicable steps within their power to secure improvements.
§ Mr. DribergEven allowing for all the causes of delay which my right hon. 19 Friend has outlined, could he say whether he has considered the case of the particular train that I have brought to his notice? Why, if sometimes other trains can arrive punctually, should one important train, bringing large numbers of passengers to work in London daily, always be late?
§ Mr. BarnesThese are some of the points which I have recently represented to the railway managers, and these and other matters are now being carefully examined