§ Mr. CHANNINGI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether any, and, if so, what steps have been taken to carry out the provisions of The Prevention of Accidents Act, 1900, in respect of couplings which will remove the necessity of men going between the carriages or trucks in coupling and uncoupling.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI presume the hon. Member's reference to the provisions of the Act in question is directed to Section 15, under which the Board of Trade are empowered to make experiments. This power has not hitherto been exercised by the Board, but several railway companies are conducting experiments as to improved appliances, including couplings designed for the purpose mentioned by the hon. Member, and trials have in many cases been attended and watched by officers of the Board of Trade.
§ MR. CHANNINGI propose to draw the attention of the House to this matter at the earliest opportunity.
§ † See (4) Debates, cvii., 1356.