§ MR. ARMITAGEasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether it is 1520 true that the "cord system" of communication between Railway passengers and Railway servants has been condemned as ineffective; and, whether the Board have taken, or intend to take, any, and what, steps for the protection of Railway passengers in this matter?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINIt is true, Sir, that some years ago the Board of Trade withdrew their approval of the "cord system" of communication on railways, because they considered it ineffective. It appears that the 22nd section of the Railways Regulation Act, 1868, is the section under which the Board of Trade acts; but it gives no power to the Board to initiate any system of communication, but only to approve or disapprove those that are submitted to it. I may add, however, that any Railway Company making default in regard to the section of the Act mentioned is liable to a fine of £10 in the case of each default.