HC Deb 12 March 1867 vol 185 cc1703-4
MR. CHEETHAM

said, he wished to ask the Vice President of the Board of Trade, Whether the attention of the Board has been directed to the very inconvenient and dangerous condition of the Stalybridge Station of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway and Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Companies; and, if so, whether the Board has had any Communication with the Companies upon the subject, with a view to oblige them to make better arrangements for the convenience and safety of the public?

MR. STEPHEN CAVE

Yes, Sir, the attention of the Board of Trade has been so directed. On December 8, 1865, and on June 18, 1866, the Mayor of Stalybridge called the attention of the Board to the "disgraceful condition" of this station. On the 15th of December, 1865, and 11th of July, 1866, Colonel Yolland inspected and reported against it. His recommendations have been communicated to the two Companies in question. The Board of Trade wrote again on the 12th of September, 1866, to both Companies. The Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire replied on the 15th that they were in communication with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, and on the 21st the Lancashire and Yorkshire replied that they were in communication with the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire. A further reminder was sent to both Companies on the 21st November, to which the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire replied on the 30th that they were still in communication with the Lancashire and Yorkshire. No answer has yet been received from the latter Company. The attitude at present of the two Companies resembles the celebrated position of the two commanders— Lord Chatham with his sword drawn Was waiting for Sir Richard Strachan Sir Richard, longing to be at 'em, Was waiting for the Earl of Chatham. The Board of Trade has no power to compel these Companies to make better arrangements. They are in possession of Colonel Yolland's Reports, which have also been laid before Parliament. The responsibility rests with them, and that responsibility will be very serious should any accident occur in consequence of their neglect of these repeated warnings. Both Companies have Bills before Parliament this Session, and I presume Parliament can refuse to sanction new works communicating with the Stalybridge Station until it has been improved.