§ MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether it is now understood, on the part of the railways of the United Kingdom, that they are prepared to replace steam capstans on their systems for shunting purposes by hydraulic capstans, which can be stopped at once, and serious accidents thereby prevented or diminished greatly in number.
§ MR. HANBURY (for Mr. RITCHIE)No general promise has been received from the companies, but it is believed that the matter is receiving favourable consideration. Evidence on the subject has been given before the Royal Commission on Accidents to Railway Servants, but, as the honourable Member is aware, the Commission has not yet reported.