§ MR. CLANCY (Dublin co.), on behalf of Mr. P. J. Power (Waterford, E.): I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that one of the principal approaches to the town of Atherstone (Warwickshire) is by a level crossing over the main line of the London and North Western Railway; and whether the Board of Trade has the power to compel the railway company to provide a safer approach; if not, whether, considering the accidents that have occured at this crossing, the danger and inconvenience to the public of the present arrangement, and the number of fast trains passing Atherstone, the Board of Trade will represent to the company the advisabilitity of providing a safer approach?
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHThere is such a crossing as the hon. Member refers to; but, so far as I know, no accidents have occurred there. An accident did occur a short time ago at an occupation road crossing near; but the Board of Trade have no power to compel the company to deal with the matter.
§ MR. CLANCYI was requested by my hon. Friend to state that he does not attribute any blame to the officials of the railway company.
§ MR. W. P. SINCLAIR (Falkirk, &c.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that several fatal accidents have occurred at a level crossing a few miles north of this.
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHThat is certainly not the crossing here. I am not aware of the facts the hon. Member refers to.