MR. BENTINCKsaid, he would beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Vice-President of the Board of Trade whether it was the intention of the Government to introduce during the present Session any Bill for the more effectual prevention of Accidents on Railways?
§ MR. LOWEsaid, he thought it might be agreeable to the House that he should, before answering the question of the hon. Gentleman, read some figures from a document which he held in his hand in reference to railway accidents. From that document he found that the number of passengers by railroad had been in the year 1852 89,000,000; that the number killed was ten, and the number injured 372. In 1853 the number of passengers had been 102,000,000; the number killed sixteen, and the number injured 280. In 1854 the number of passengers had been 114,000,000; the number killed twelve, and the number injured 331. In 1855 the number of passengers had been 118,000,000; the number killed, ten; injured, 311; while in 1856—as nearly as the estimate could be made—the number of passengers had been 125,000,000; the number of killed, 8; and the number injured, 282. It being evident from that statement that the number of killed and injured was diminishing in proportion to the increased number of travellers, Her Majesty's Government saw no necessity for introducing a Bill upon the subject.