§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the evidence at the 28 coroner's inquest, on the 28th instant, upon the death of William Wyatt, who was killed while in charge of the gates at the Stray Park level crossing at Camborne; whether he is aware that it appeared that the deceased was a coal heaver, who worked as a rule in the Company's coalyard at the station, 300 yards away, and was only taking the duty of gatekeeper at the crossing as a relief for the regular gatekeeper; that for years it had been the custom for coal porters to relieve signalmen after their regular day's work as coal porters was over; that, except on special relief days, when they worked for 11½ hours, the shortest day's work for the gatekeepers would be close upon 15 hours; and that there was no telegraphic or other communication between Cam Brea station and the Dolcoath crossing, so that the deceased had no notice of the approach of the train, which on this occasion was a special; and whether he has power, and, if so, will he exercise his authority, under "The Railway Regulation Act, 1893," to require the Great Western Railway Company to adopt proper precautions for the safety of the public and of their officials, and to shorten the hours of their servants, in harmony with the rider appended by the coroner's jury to their verdict, in which they state that the Railway Company are guilty of great neglect of duty in not having either interlocking signals or telegraphic communication at Stray Park crossing, and that the hours of gatekeepers are much too long?
§ MR. BRYCEThe Board of Trade have not yet received the Coroner's Return in this case, but they have communicated with the Railway Company with regard to the accident. The General Manager states that he will make inquiries into the arrangements for working the crossing and inform the Board of the result. He adds that the man had been on duty 9 hours 42 minutes. If any representation is made to the Board of Trade under the Act referred to alleging that the hours worked by the gatekeepers are unreasonable it shall receive attention.
§ MR. CONYBEAREWill the right hon. Gentleman carefully examine the evidence in this case? It was stated that not only this man but other men worked inordinately long hours—sometimes as 29 many as 15 hours? Will the right hon. Gentleman also direct his attention to the absence of telegraphic communication between the crossing and the station, seeing that danger is caused to the public owing to trains coming along without notice?
MR. BBYCEIf any statements bearing on the subject of hours of works are forwarded to the Board of Trade they will be considered. We will also consider anything calculated to ensure the safety of the public.
§ MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)Were the Board of Trade represented at the inquest?