§ 31. Mrs. Castleasked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Railways Board requiring them to remove turnstiles from public conveniences on premises of British Railways.
§ Mr. MarplesI am informed that only two public conveniences on railway premises have turnstiles. I do not consider that their removal would be an appropriate occasion for a general direction, but I am bringing the matter to the attention of the Railways Board.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Government have decided to instruct local authorities to remove all turnstiles from municipal lavatories because they constitute a threat to the health and safety of women and young children? Is he also aware that some of the greatest inconvenience and danger from turnstiles arises from those on the premises of transport undertakings and that it is very important that British Railways—as a publicly-owned industry—should give a lead to privately-owned bus operators? Will he give an assurance that British Railways will give that lead?
§ Mr. MarplesI will bring this to the attention of British Railways, but only two public conveniences on their premises have turnstiles. One is for ladies and one for gentlemen, so it is equality all round.