Oral Answers to Questions — Transport. – in the House of Commons at on 16 April 1929.
Mr Harry Day
, Southwark Central
asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many of the Underground trains between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. are so overcrowded that passengers can hardly obtain standing room and many have to stand on the platform between the car doors; and will he make representations to the management of this railway system with a view to security and the provision of adequate accommodation?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
I am aware that some crowding occurs on the underground trains between 5 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. when the traffic is at its heaviest, and that at such times passengers sometimes stand on the platforms between the carriages. I am not aware that danger is involved in this practice, but the conditions will be greatly improved when rolling stock of this type has been entirely replaced by rolling stock of the present normal type. This replacement will, I understand, be likely to be completed in October next.
Mr Harry Day
, Southwark Central
Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this condition of affairs is getting worse every night, and cannot he see to it that until the rolling stock is replaced further accommodation is supplied by the Underground?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
I have inquired into that matter, and I have been informed that trains are run as frequently as possible.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman be good enough to send down one of his inspectors to Aldgate East during the hours between 6.30 and 9 o'clock in the morning so that he may see the excessive overcrowding which takes place; and is he aware that this morning the hon. Member for Plaistow could hardly move his feet at all in the train.
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that this type of carriage will automatically be eliminated almost entirely by October next and that therefore the overcrowding will be removed as far as possible.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of having an underground railway right down to the East End similar to that in the West End?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
If hon. Members opposite had not opposed the Co-ordination Bill, the hon. Member would have had a better opportunity of putting forward his excellent plan.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that as soon as you start to promote a Bill for improved travelling facilities down East you have to contend with the Opposition of all the other railway companies?
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
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