MR. CHAINING) (Northampton, E.I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the inquest held at New Mil-ford, on Monday, 5th May, on the body of Daniel Thomas, porter and labourer, who was killed by a train while crossing the yard near the fish stage, where a similar fatal accident occurred in 1887, and was then fully inquired into and reported upon by Colonel Rich; whether he has observed that one of the witnesses stated that it was the habit of the men to cross at this point, as the shortest cut from the fish stage to their homes;. whether the Railway Company has repeatedly promised to carry out the recommendation of Colonel Rich to construct a footbridge at this spot; whether the Company have as yet begun this work; and, if so, within what time it will be completed; and whether, having regard to the risk shown by this second fatal accident, the Board of Trade will make further representations to the Railway Company or, by an amending Bill to "The Regulation of Railways Act, 1889," take power to order the construction of bridges or subways where the Inspectors of the Board report they are necessary?
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHMy attention has been called to the Report of the inquest upon the fatal accident which occurred on the 3rd instant. The Coroner states that on that day the unfortunate man had been employed at some distance from the place where he met with his injuries, that he had left off work for the day more than one hour previously, and had no business where he was. The 945 evidence attached to Colonel Rich's Report shows that the Company have warned their workpeople not to cross the metals but to go past the station by the waterside path. The Company are, I am informed, willing to make arrangements for the construction of a footbridge. With regard to legislation on the subject, the hon. Member is aware that I made a proposal last Session, with which it was not possible to proceed owing to the opposition of the Railway Companies, and I can see no probability of it being in my power to deal with the subject this year.