MR. ELLIOTasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If it is the intention of the Government to bring in a Bill, or 552 take any other steps this Session, with a view to the prevention of accidents on Railways; and, if not, whether the Government will be prepared to support any well considered measure having for its object the regulation of the hours of labour of signalmen, engine drivers, pointsmen, and other responsible persons employed on Railways, so as to ensure the better safety of the travelling public?
§ MR. DISRAELIThe Government, Sir, are awaiting with interest, I may say with anxiety, the Report of the Royal Commission on Railways. At present that Commission is pursuing its inquiries in Ireland. The inquiries of the Commission have been to some degree retarded by the loss of the noble Duke the Duke of Buckingham, the President of the Commission, who devoted his time entirely to this important subject; but I hope the Report will be presented to the House, though I fear not before Easter, in time to consider it with a view to legislation. Under these circumstances, Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to take any immediate steps in the way of legislation.