§ MR. LOUIS SINCLAIR (Essex, Romford)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to a serious accident which occurred at Romford Station on Wednesday, 31st March, when a man was cut to pieces whilst engaged in shunting operations with horses on the main line, either caused by the horses taking fright at a passing train or by the man having to leave the horses to attend to the chain attached to some horse boxes; and whether, having regard to the danger attached to such operations, he will consider the advisability of requiring the Railway Companies who use horses for shunting purposes to employ at least two men to do this work, one man to attend to the horse and this other to see to the attaching and detaching of the chain?
§ MR. HANBURY (for Mr. RITCHIE)Yes, Sir, I am informed that the Board of Trade have received information of the accident referred to, and that a Sub-Inspector of Railways has been ordered to inquire into the circumstances. When his report is received the action to be taken by the Board of Trade will be carefully considered, and the suggestion of the hon. Member will be borne in mind.