HC Deb 08 June 1893 vol 13 cc504-5
MR. POWELL-WILLIAMS (Birmingham, S.)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that whilst Railway Companies are insisting upon compliance, on the part of private owners of railway wagons, with certain costly regulations affecting the construction and repair of such wagons, they have themselves large numbers of wagons in regular use which do not conform to those regulations; and whether he will take steps, by remonstrance with the Railway Companies or otherwise, to put an end to such treatment of private owners in this respect for the future?

* THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, Brightside

I am not aware that Railway Companies are taking the action suggested by the hon. Member, which would appear to be contrary to the terms of Section 118 of the Railways Clauses Act, 1845. The Secretary of the Railway Companies Association writes that— The Companies do not desire to put the private wagon owners to undue or unnecessary expense, but they are satisfied that when old wagons not up to the requirements of the specification are so far worn as to require substantial replacements, they should be abandoned, and wagons equal to modern requirements be provided. So far as the Companies' own stock is concerned, that practice is undoubtedly followed. The House will understand that in the interests of public safety all wagons used on railways should be of proper construction and equipment.

MR. POWELL-WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to ascertain whether or not the Railway Companies have issued a circular to the owners of private wagons calling on them to comply with conditions which they do not themselves fulfil?

MR. MUNDELLA

I will inquire.

MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)

Is there any legal body entitled to say what grounds justify the Company in disallowing the use of wagons?

MR. MUNDELLA

I suppose Railway Companies themselves are the judges as to the proper repair and construction of the wagons.