§ MR. RENWICK (Newcastle-on-Tyne)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that another death was caused by the unprotected electric live rail on the North Eastern Railway at St. Peters, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Wednesday last; and will he inform the House what steps are being taken by the Board of Trade to compel railway companies owning electric railways to take such steps as are necessary to avoid further loss of life.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)The accident referred to, which caused death of a boy who had trespassed on the line, has been reported to the Board of Trade by the railway company. Inquiries have been ordered into the circumstances attending two similar previous accidents, and this case will also be investigated. When the reports of the inspecting officers have been received the question of precautionary measures will be fully considered.