asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures, in co-operation with the Metropolitan Police and the London Transport Executive, he proposes to take to protect both the public, and the conductors, drivers, and station staffs of the London Transport Board.

The Government are taking an active part in devising measures to deal with this problem. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport and I held discussions in the course of last year with London Transport and representatives of transport workers. Certain suggestions, including the provision of two-way radios, and of alarm systems, and the establishment of joint local committees are being pursued by London Transport, the Department of the Environment and others concerned. The police are doing what they can to increase the protection available. My right hon. Friend and I will continue to give urgent attention to this serious problem. I hope to have a further meeting early next week with London Transport and the unions concerned.