§ Lieut.-Colonel Sharpasked the Minister of Transport if he will report on the circumstances under which passengers in the Bradford portion of the 10.45 p.m. train from King's Cross to Leeds and Bradford were squeezed into 1½ passenger coaches at Leeds at, approximately, 4 a.m. on Friday, 12th July, and continued their journey in discomfort whilst, approximately, ten empty passenger coaches remained behind at Leeds; and whether he will instruct the railway companies to have greater regard for the well-being of their customers.
§ Mr. BarnesOn the night of 11th-12th July, eight vehicles were, as usual, detached from this train at Leeds to form another train. There were 21 first class and 56 third class seats on the remaining section which went on to Bradford. I am informed that there would have been sufficient seats for all but a few of the standing passengers, if those seated had been willing to make room. The railway authorities considered adding an extra coach, but decided not to, because this 77W would have delayed the train for ten minutes, and the rest of the journey took only 20 minutes in all. There have been no previous complaints about overcrowding on this train, the loadings of which are being carefully watched.