§ Sir S. COATS asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the fact that traffic through the Oxted tunnel has been much restricted since the beginning of May, no work beyond the laying of a single line has been carried out, and that unnecessary inconvenience is being caused to the people who live on this line in consequence; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. NEAL: The Oxted Tunnel is 2,266 yards in length, and is in need of repair. In order to allow the contractors to carry out the repairs as quickly as possible, the railway company have introduced single line working through the tunnel, which is open for traffic in the morning and again in the evening, but it is closed to all traffic during the forenoon, early afternoon, and throughout the night. The repair work is being carried out by double shifts of men, and it is necessary that the tunnel be kept free of traffic and smoke, to enable the men to work in safety and with speed and efficiency.