§ MR. LAWSON (St. Pancras, W.)asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether he is aware of the personal annoyance and injury to property inflicted on the inhabitants of the Metropolis by the Railway Companies from the use of the whistle at night, especially in the N. W. and S.W. districts; whether the whistle is not used on the Metropolitan Railway; and, whether he will institute an inquiry to ascertain whether the railway traffic cannot be conducted with safety at night between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. without this constant disturbance of public rest?
§ THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The attention of the Board of Trade has not recently been directed to annoyance arising from the use of the whistle on trains, though they are fully aware of the inconvenience caused thereby to persons dwelling near railways. They are not in a position to make any statement on the subject, but will put themselves in communication with the Railway Companies, with the view of ascertaining whether, with due regard to the safe 1768 working of the traffic, anything can be done to lesson the inconvenience.