§ MR. BELLI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a number of cases which have recently occurred in which goods trains have become divided when running between Fawkham and Farningham on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway resulting in damage; whether he has yet consulted the inspecting officers of the Board of Trade with reference to the general question of breakaways; and whether he proposes to publish Reports from the inspecting officers with regard to the matter.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURSince the beginning of 1901 only two such accidents as are referred to by the hon. Member have occurred, so far as the Board of Trade are aware, viz., on the 5th December and the 9th of last month. The general question of breakaways is now under the consideration of the Board's Inspecting Officers of Railways, and when I obtain their Report I will consider the question of publication.