§ MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether the attention of the Board of Trade has been called to the narrow escape of a Midland express train, at an early hour on Sunday morning last, near Normanton, from a serious 252 collision with a North-Eastern fish train, when the express ran past the signals, and the collision was averted by the guard of the express train applying the continuous brake; and, whether the Board of Trade will order an inquiry into the circumstances, and especially as to the competency and qualifications of the engine driver in charge of the express train?
§ THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The attention of the Board of Trade has not been directed to the incident referred to. They cannot undertake to direct an inquiry in cases where no accident has occurred. I may, however, say that the Board of Trade have received an assurance from the Company that they are taking every precaution to enable them to select the most efficient servants from a large number of applicants.