§ 65. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that passengers for Bedford were turned away from the 5.25 p.m. train from St. Pancras, due to arrive at 6.35 p.m., on Friday, 29th March, by a notice directing them to assemble for a 5.30 p Bedford-only train on another platform; that at 5.56 p.m. loudspeakers informed several hundred waiting passengers, who had acted on instructions, that the 5.30 p.m. train would not leave till 6.15 p.m. or later, but that passengers could board the 5.58 p.m. train; that three or four hundred persons forced their way into this already overcrowded train and arrived 29 minutes late at Bedford; and if he will take immediate action to prevent a repetition of this dangerous state of affairs.
§ Mr. Barnes:I regret the inconvenience caused to passengers which arose from a failure in the working of some points at Finchley Road. I have sent to my hon. Friend a full report from which he will see that the circumstances were quite exceptional.