HC Deb 27 July 1960 vol 627 c157W
46. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the continuing congestion in peak travel hours on the Central line between Newbury Park Station, Ilford, and Leytonstone, and between Leytonstone and the city and the West End of London, respectively, what progress the London Travel Committee has made in its campaign for staggering working hours; what improvements are being brought about; and what long-term solution is anticipated to this problem.

Mr. Marples

Since the end of March, when I last gave an Answer about the staggering of working hours, 34 firms have staggered the hours of more than 16,000 staff, bringing the total up to 274 firms and 48,204 staff. The British Transport Commission have almost completed the lengthening of all the 7-car trains on the Central line to eight cars and, in addition, they are speeding up their train replacement programme. These steps will provide considerable relief to this line.