§ MR. JOHN HOPE (Fifeshire, W)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the railway station of Cowdenbeath, Fifeshire, is inadequate for the passenger traffic of that place; that a fatal accident recently took place owing to the crowded condition of the platform; and if he will cause an Inquiry to be made into this case with the view of compelling the North British Railway to provide a suitable passenger station to meet the requirements of the increasing population.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralNo, Sir, I have no information showing that the accommodation at the railway station mentioned is inadequate for the passenger traffic there dealt 163 with, nor that accidents have taken place owing to the crowded condition of the platform. The fatal accident to which the hon. Member refers appears to be one that occurred on the 29th of last month to a child, who, according to the verdict given after the Procurator Fiscal's inquiry, was "killed while crossing the line on the level instead of by the over bridge." The Board of Trade have no power to order an Inquiry directed to compelling the Company to give increased facilities at the station.