MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the serious accident which occurred to what is known as the London and North Western "Racer" at Preston, at mid-might on Sunday night, on its journey from Euston to Aberdeen, a train which held the record this year for travelling 105 miles in 105 minutes; and, whether, in view of the great risks to the travelling public connected with this practice of rival railway companies racing to Scotland, the Board of Trade will make strong representations to the said companies on the subject?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) CroydonI have received a Return of the accident referred to, and have directed an inspecting officer of the Department 1431 to hold an Inquiry. Until I receive the Report of his Inquiry I am unable to say what representation (if any) I shall make to the railway company.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONasked whether there had been a single accident due to the high speed of those trains?
§ MR. RITCHIEI cannot answer that question without notice; but I am not prepared to admit that high speed means danger.