§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)On behalf of the hon. Member for Derby, I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that since the appeals of the railway companies against certain of the Rules issued by the Board of Trade under The Prevention of Accidents Act, 1900, were heard before the Railway and Canal Commissioners on 25th June last, the railway companies have for the first time lodged another appeal against Rule 1, to the effect that instead of brake levers which may be operated from either side, they may be allowed to adopt brakes of the single-lever class, which can only be operated from one side; and will the Board of Trade take steps to uphold their Rule before the Railway and Canal Commissioners Court.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralI am not aware that any such appeal has been lodged. The Solicitor to the Board has been instructed to take steps to uphold the Rule before the Court of the Railway and Canal Commission.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONOn behalf of the hon. Member for Derby, I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that trials of brakes that can be applied and released without the necessity of the men having to cross over, under, or round a waggon for the purpose of carrying out the Rule laid down by the Board of Trade under The Railways (Prevention of Accidents) Act, 1900, have been, or are being, carried out; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the Board of Trade are properly represented by experts and practical men at those trials, and that railway servants are afforded an opportunity of being represented.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURYes, Sir. I understand that trials of either-side brakes are being conducted by a Committee appointed by the Railway Clearing House. I do not at present think it necessary to take the steps suggested by the hon. Member, but I may say that the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways is keeping in touch with what is being done.