HL Deb 02 June 1964 vol 258 cc375-6

2.38 p.m.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they propose in order to provide safe and secure crossing of the railway line of persons, in particular school children, between two housing estates and schools south of Hurst Green, Surrey.]

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, as the noble Lord is aware, responsibility for the altered use of the public footway crossing south of Hurst Green rests with the local authorities, and the onus to improve conditions at the crossing lies with them. The Railways have met their statutory obligations fully and the Minister has no powers to order the installation of additional protection. However, I am sure that the noble Lord will be pleased to know that the local authorities have asked that a footbridge be erected and that an estimate has been sent to them by the Railways.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, I am grateful for the Minister's reply. I hope that, as with the previous Question, there will be more speed than there has been in the past. I am sure that the noble Lord will agree that approximately 1,000 crossings are made each day, many by children, across this completely unguarded footpath. There have already been two people killed at this point. Will the noble Lord use his best endeavours to see that the local authorities proceed with this matter with the British Railways as quickly as possible—certainly before the autumn season sets in, with the consequent dark nights.

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, of course, I sympathise with what the noble Lord has said but, in fact, my right honourable friend has no powers to expedite this matter. At the moment it rests with the speed with which the local authorities concerned decide to accept the estimate. In so far as it lies within my power, anything I can do to help I will do willingly.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, the noble Lord may be right that the Minister has no powers, but there is such a thing as power of persuasion, which we know does rest with the Minister.