§ MR. CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the report of the inspector of the Board as to the recent accident near Kirtlebridge has yet been received; whether his attention has been called to statements since made that serious risk is caused to express trains to and from Scotland by excessive speed on down grades where there are curves and facing points, and notably to the west coast trains in descending Shap Fell towards Penrith, and also in descending the down grade near Grayrigg to the south; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into this allegation and, if necessary, representations to be made to the company concerned.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The Report on the Kirtlebridge accident has not yet been received. Pending its receipt it would be premature to consider the necessity of taking any steps such as are suggested by my hon. friend.