§ Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that unnecessary hardship was caused to large numbers of Christmas period passengers by the inadequate arrangements at Paddington Station; and if he will make an investigation with the object of avoiding chaotic conditions during the periods of heavy passenger traffic.
§ Mr. BarnesI regret that shortage of rolling stock and staff made it impracticable for the railway company to deal promptly with the heavy passenger traffic at Paddington during the Christmas period. The situation was aggravated by adverse weather conditions and may be regarded as having been exceptional.