§ MR. BELL (Derby)To ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the Rhymney Railway Company's violation of the Board of Trade Rules, issued under The Railways (Prevention of Accidents) Act, 1900, dated August, 1902, relating to running trains without brake vans between Cardiff Docks and Heath Junction, about two miles, gradient one in forty-five, load forty-five empties up and forty loaded trucks down; between Cardiff Docks and Llanishan, about three miles, gradient one in forty-five, similar loads, and several other sections; if he is aware that the guards in such cases have to ride on the buffers or on top of the loaded wagons to the detriment of their own safety; and whether he will take steps to compel the company to carry out the Board's rules regulating such working.
*(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) This matter has been recently brought to the notice of the Board of Trade and is engaging their attention. Whether or not the specified sections of line fall within the operation of the statutory rate referred to, I am advised that, with the 947 gradients mentioned, the provision of brake vans is necessary for safe working. I propose so to inform the Railway Company. The Company inform me that in every case where a train runs outside station limits they have already given instructions that an empty vehicle must be provided for the guard.