§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the effect, during the present strain of traffic, of the process of automatic locking of the carriage doors on underground trains by one of the operative staff of the train, which on certain occasions has caused serious confusion and panic among the passengers, and in view of the shortage of platform staff, he will make overtures to the railway authorities that sufficient platform assistance be provided; that the present dangerous overcrowding should cease; and that the carriage doors should be unlocked, except in the case where printed notices are displayed?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI am advised that there is no objection to the method of operation of the doors on the Piccadilly section of the London underground railways, to which I think my hon. Friend refers. I have, however, brought the points he raises to the notice of the London Electric Railway Company, who state that they have no record of any trouble having arisen in connection with the working of these doors, which, in their view, possess considerable advantages. The company state also that they have already increased their platform staff at very busy stations, and know of no need for additional staff at present. They are further of opinion that overcrowding is less serious now than formerly, owing to the full service run, although it is impossible to avoid it altogether at the busy hours of the day.