The EARL of ARUNDEL AND SURREYwished to put a question to the right hon. Gentleman at the head of the Railway Board. In consequence of a dispute between the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway way Company and the East Lancashire Company, a disgraceful scene had occurred at Clifton on the 12th of this month. He begged to ask whether the matter had been brought under the notice of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ MR. LABOUCHERE, replied that the power vested in the Railway Commissioners with respect to matters of this description was as follows:—The Board had the power of interfering, so far as might be necessary for the protection of the public safety, on an application from either of the parties. One of these companies had sent a statement to the Railway Commissioners, but it was not such a statement as the Commissioners could act upon. The Commissioners had written to the company, stating that upon receiving such an application the Board would take such steps as were necessary for the protection of the public safety.
The EARL of ARUNDEL AND SURREYDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the Commissioners have no right to interfere where the lives of the public are in jeopardy?
§ MR. LABOUCHEREI believe they have no right to interfere except on application. We have intimated that if this application is made we will interfere. Of course, in the event of any breach of the law being committed, the case can be dealt with by the magistrates.
§ Subject at an end.