§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what caused the incident at Stratford station in the London borough of Newham on 24 May; how many passengers received hospital treatment; what members of staff of London Underground Ltd. were present at the scene of the incident; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyA Central line train was halted at Stratford station at about 08.30 when overheated brake blocks began to emit smoke. The problem was dealt with by the train crew, but the fire brigade was called as a precautionary measure. British Rail manages all train services at this station and its staff correctly detrained passengers from the defective train and from following trains. One passenger was taken to hospital.
London Underground's main concern was to release passengers on the two trains halted in tunnel between Stratford and Leyton. Instructions were passed by radio from the line controller to the drivers of those trains. A London Underground carriage examiner was in attendance at Stratford and was able to declare the previously defective train fit for service at 09.35.