§ MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the Report of General Hutchinson, dated 52 21st May, 1889, respecting a fatal accident to a passenger between Perth and Carlisle, on the 19th February, from her head coming in contact with a post office letter pouch, and the statements of General Hutchinson that there are 600 of these mail pouches suspended up and down on the railways, and that—
The existence of a heavy obstruction, weighing, if full, about half a hundredweight, and hanging, if motionless, from eight to 13 inches (and closer if oscillating) from the side of a carriage, just above the level of the head of a passenger leaning out of a carriage window, is certainly most dangerous,he has made any communication to the Railways and Post Office on the subject; and, if so, with what result?
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHCertainly, Sir. On receipt of General Hutchinson's Report I at once caused a communication to be addressed to the Post Office as regards the arrangements to be adopted to avoid the risks referred to in the Question. I am informed that the matter, which is by no means free from difficulty, is receiving the most careful consideration of the Postmaster General.