HC Deb 03 May 1923 vol 163 cc1649-50W
Sir J. HOOD

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the inefficiency in the management and the inadequacy of the arrangements made at Wembley on the occasion of the football cup final on Saturday last; whether it is necessary for the owners of the buildings to be licensed or the buildings approved for the purpose of athletic competitions by any authority; and, if so, whether, having regard to the experience of Saturday last, he will see that such licences are revoked or suspended until he is satisfied as to the efficiency of the management in future?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

No licence from any authority was required—so far as I am aware—for the holding of the football match at the Stadium on Saturday last. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by me yesterday to questions on this subject.

Sir A. BUTT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that on Saturday last several trains from Marylebone to Wembley, crowded with passengers both sitting and standing, had no lighting facilities whatsoever in the carriages and that these trains were in some instances delayed for lengthy periods in dark tunnels; and whether, in order to avoid the danger of panic and of people being robbed under these conditions, he will take steps to compel the railway companies to have adequate lighting facilities in all carriages?

Colonel ASHLEY

As my hon. Friend is aware, the conditions obtaining on Saturday last were somewhat exceptional, but I am inquiring into the matter and will communicate with him.