HC Deb 27 March 1899 vol 69 cc505-6
MR. COGHILL (Stoke-upon-Trent)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to withdraw the Regulation of Railways Bill, and to refer the subject of automatic coupling to a Royal Commission?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE

I do not propose to proceed with the Bill to-night. It is clear from the opposition which has been evinced to it that it is impossible to pass the Bill into law this Session, having regard to the other business before the House. I propose, however, to proceed with an inquiry into the question without delay. What form this inquiry should take is now under my consideration. It is very desirable, if possible, that the tribunal to which the inquiry is referred should be one acceptable to all parties concerned.