HC Deb 15 March 1961 vol 636 cc1396-7
45. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Transport if, in the interests of reducing noise and annoyance, he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission to cease using loudspeakers in suburban stations in residential districts.

Mr. Marples

No, Sir. It is a matter for the management of the British Transport Commission.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a station like Twickenham is a very nice one in the middle of a residential area, that 99 per cent. of the passengers who use it are commuters who could find their way to the train blindfold, and that the loudspeakers call out, "This way to Waterloo"? Also, on rugby football days when the crowds are hurrying to the stadium the loudspeakers bawl out, "Hurry along please". Is this not really quite absurd?

Mr. Marples

I am very well aware of the attractiveness of Twickenham Station and of the inhabitants of Twickenham, but here the British Transport Commission is in a dilemma. If it does not give the information to passengers, it is criticised for the lack of information, and if it does give it, it is criticised on the ground of too much noise. It is really a question of degree and balance, and I will ask the British Transport Commission to see that the loudspeakers give only that degree of noise which is necessary and desirable in the case of Twickenham.

Mr. Lipton

Has not experience shown that the people going to and from Twickenham are of a pretty low standard of intelligence, and that they do require guidance, whether by loudspeakers or otherwise, or complete chaos would result?

Mr. Marples

I must not enter into that controversy, but clearly the people of Twickenham have great political sagacity.

Mr. Slater

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that his hon. Friend is asking a little bit too much? Further, would he not agree that his hon. Friend is built for speed, and ought to accept the invitation of the loudspeakers?

Mr. Marples

Perhaps he will.

Mr. Gresham Cook

In view of the highly unsatisfactory nature of that supplementary question, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.

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