§ MR. ISAACasked the President of Board of Trade, If he has made any inquiry regarding the death of Sir Francis Goldsmid, Bart., M.P. for Reading; and, if he is prepared to obtain from Parliament powers to compel railway companies to so construct the footboards of passenger carriages or platforms as to prevent a recurrence of such serious accidents?
§ VISCOUNT SANDONSir, before I answer my hon. Friend's Question, I must express the very deep regret with which I, in common with, I am sure, all the Members of this House, heard of the very distressing circumstances which deprived us of one of our most experienced Colleagues in Parliament, who was much esteemed and respected, as I know from personal experience, by all who had the pleasure of being brought into contact with him. As soon as we heard of this lamentable accident, we instructed Colonel Yolland to hold an inquiry respecting it. I have not yet received the Report; but I need hardly assure my hon. Friend that I shall carefully consider it, with the view of determining whether any action ought to be taken in the matter. I shall be happy to show him the Report as soon as I receive it. Since I have been in the House a letter has been placed in my hands from Lady Goldsmid, the touching concluding words of which I think the House would wish to hear. She expresses her
most painful anxiety that Thursday's tragedy may, if possible, be averted in future, and thus that his death may prove of some service to his fellow creatures.