§ MR. BELLI beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware of an accident which occurred at Burnley Bark Top, Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, on April 19th last, to the 12.50 a.m. goods train, Colne to Philips Park, and that the train on arrival at Burnley consisted of seventy-two loaded trucks, again attached thirty-nine loaded and two empty wagons more, making a total of 111 loaded and two empty waggons, and a tonnage of 990 tons, requiring two additional engines to assist at the rear of the train, which caused the 80th to the 85th wagons inclusive to be derailed and blocking the lines for several hours; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made respecting the working of such long trains, and the relative effect upon the safety to the men employed and the travelling public, and report thereon.
§ MR. BONAR LAWAn accident of this character has been reported by the railway company as having occurred on the morning of April 20th, and an inquiry into the circumstances will be held by one of the Inspecting Officers of Railways. When the officer's report has been received, the Board of Trade I will consider whether there are grounds for any further inquiry of the nature indicated in the concluding part of the hon. Member's Question.