§ MR. BELLI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is doing anything, and, if so, what, to press forward the question of either-side brakes on goods and mineral wagons on railways; and whether he will bring pressure to bear upon the companies through the Railway and Canal Commissioners, or otherwise, to get the rule to effect their introduction brought into operation as speedily as possible.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURA rule on this subject has been prepared and advertised under the provisions of the Railway Employment (Prevention of Accidents) Act, 1900. Objectors have been heard by the Board of Trade, and the question as to the form in which the rule should be again issued is under con- 1567 sideration. It is not probable that material modifications, if any, will be made by the Board in such re-issue, and I am afraid the Railway Companies will again appeal to the Railway and Canal Commissioners. The Board of Trade will expedite matters as far as they can consistently with the formal procedure laid down by the Statute.