§ MR. W. J. CORBET (Wicklow, S.)asked the Secretary to the Board, of Trade, Whether his attention has been called to recent Correspondence in The Times relative to improved couplings on Railways; whether it is true, as stated, that in seven years 1,081 men have been killed and 9,265 injured during shunting operations; whether he is aware that a trial of improved couplings was held at Nine Elms lately, and that a further trial is to take place; and, whether he will direct the Government Inspector to be present, so as to insure an impartial Report on the merits of the different methods?
§ THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)I am aware that a correspondence has recently taken place in The Times relative to improved couplings on railways. Upon a reference to the Return in the last general Report of the Board of Trade upon Accidents on Railways, it appears that during the last seven years 831 servants were killed, and 9,088 injured, during shunting operations, and not 1,081 killed and 9,265 injured as stated by the hon. Member. I am aware that a trial of improved couplings was held at Nine Elms lately; but I am not aware that a further trial is to take place. In the event of a further trial, there will be no objection to an Inspector of Railways being present; but, as I stated to the hon. Member for North St. Pancras (Mr. Cochrane-Baillie), 341 on the 9th of this month, the Board of Trade cannot take upon themselves to express an opinion upon the results of such a trial, as they do not wish to assume a responsibility which must necessarily rest upon those who have the control and management of railways.