§ MR. RANDELL (Glamorgan, Gower)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the train which met with the accident at Carlisle on the 3rd March last, was worked on the trip or contract system of working passengers and goods trains; and whether he will grant facilities to inquire into that system of working trains on those railways where it has been adopted?
§ * THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Sir M. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.I have been informed by the Company that the train which met with the accident was worked on the trip system, and they explain that under this system 150 miles travelled with an express train entitles both driver and fireman to a day's pay. This distance was covered by the train in question in about 3½ hours. I am informed that the system has been in use for 25 years and found to work well. I do not sec any sufficient reason for directing any inquiry.