§ 32. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any complaint about the congestion of traffic due to prolonged delays at the railway level crossing in the Boothferry Road, Goole; and what progress has been made in discussion of methods of improving the situation.
§ Mr. HayYes, Sir. We have received two letters from the Goole Chamber of Commerce and Shipping. I am informed that the proposal for installing twin red flashing light road signals is still 417 under discussion between the Goole Corporation, who are the highway authority, and the B.T.C.
§ Mr. JegerWill the hon. Gentleman be good enough to tell me how the installation of red flashing light signals will lead to trains stopping a shorter time at the level crossing on the main road? Is he not aware that at the present time the gates are closed across the main road for up to eight minutes at a time, and that this has been timed locally by specialists? As it is obvious that the platforms are not long enough to take the new longer trains, will he not get in touch with the British Transport Commission in order to get something done about keeping these gates closed for as short a time as possible?
§ Mr. HayThese are, presumably, the reasons why the Goole Corporation has taken up the matter with the British Transport Commission. If there is anything I can do to help, I will certainly be glad to do it, but this is a matter for the Goole Corporation and the British Transport Commission, and not for my right hon. Friend.