§ SIR PATRICK O'BRIENasked the President of the Board of Trade, If his attention has been directed to two letters in "The Times" of Wednesday March 31st and Saturday last respectively, one stating that trains on the Great Western 500 Railway, when approaching Wednesbury, travel at a walking pace, in consequence of the ground in the neighbourhood being undermined by coal-pits; the other letter in some degree contradicting this assertion; and, whether he will direct an official report to be made upon the subject?
§ SIR CHARLES ADDERLEYSir, my attention has been directed to this subject. The portion of railway referred to has been inspected by Colonel Hutchinson, of the Board of Trade, in conjunction with Mr. Baker, Inspector of Mines to the Home Office, and I have laid their Reports on the Table this evening. I have communicated these Reports to the Railway Company and to the owner of the mine, and I am taking advice as to my power to take further steps, if necessary, for the safety of the public.