§ MR. H. B. SHERIDANsaid, he wished to ask the President of the Board of Trade, Whether any uniform system has been agreed upon between the Railways and the Board of Trade for giving effect to the Act of last Session requiring that a means of communication should be provided between the Passenger and Guard of Railway trains?
MR. BRIGHTSome weeks ago, Sir, the representatives of the principal railway companies north of London called at the Board of Trade. They were a very important deputation, and recommended a mode of communication between the drivers and the guards, and between the passengers and both. After having examined it, and hearing the statements of the deputation, the Board of Trade sanctioned the application of that system to those railway companies. It is known as the rope system, and is a very simple, and, I hope, effective means of communication. Upon the South-Eastern, which does not run trains in connection with any of the northern lines, another system—the electric system—has been adopted, and sanctioned by the Board of Trade. But if railway companies run carriages on lines where the rope system is adopted, it will be necessary, I presume that the rope system should also be adopted by them. The Board of Trade has not sanctioned this system irrevocably, but has allowed it to be fairly tried, and it is my hope and opinion that in all probability it will be found quite effective, and that no change of system will be necessary. If, however, after trial, it should be found ineffective, the Board of Trade will be at liberty to recommend any other system which may be found more efficient.