§ MR. SAMUEL SMITH (Flintshire)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the verdict of the jury on the railway accident at Preston, attributing it to the excessive speed at which the train was travelling, and allowing that the drivers were not entirely at fault, because they had to travel over too great a distance in a given time: and, whether he will issue a circular to the railway companies warning them against the practice of racing?
§ MR. RITCHIEAn Inspecting Officer of the Board of Trade has been engaged in holding an inquiry into the causes of the Preston accident, and when I receive his report I will determine what action, if any, should be taken. In coming to a conclusion, I shall, of course, have due regard to the finding of the coroner's jury.