HC Deb 05 June 1957 vol 571 cc1250-1
35. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what plans for improvement to the Waterloo-Bank underground railway, including the Bank terminal, have now been submitted to him for approval.

Mr. Watkinson

I understand that work is starting this month on the installation at the Bank terminal of "travelators" which will speed up the movement of traffic at peak hours.

Mr. Collins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this railway, commonly called "the drain", is in a shocking state of dirt and dilapidation, and that if cattle were crowded into the trains in the way that City workers are there would be prosecutions? Although "travelators" may help they will not solve those two problems. Will the right hon. Gentleman take urgent action to get the place cleaned up and to see what he can do to help in solving the really bad problem of overcrowding?

Mr. Watkinson

I will call to the attention of the Commission what the hon. Gentleman has said, but the "travelators" will make a major contribution to solving the worst problem of all, and that is the very long and crowded walk from the station up to the Bank.