§ MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)The Report of Colonel Rich, in reference to the Carlisle accident, being now in the hands of hon. Members, I wish to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the great divergence of opinion as to the nature and character of brake failures and the urgency of the question, he will consent to refer it to a Departmental Committee of scientific and practical experts?
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHI have considered the point; but it appears to me that such a Committee would have to be largely composed of persons who either are inventors, or manufacturers, or users, and 579 who would therefore be prejudiced in favour of particular forms of brakes. I do not think that the conclusions of snch a Committee would be more authoritative or useful than, the advice now at my disposal.
MR. CHANNTNGIn consequence of the reply of the right hon. Gentleman, I beg to give notice that, on a favourable occasion, I will call the attention of the House to the matter.