§ MR. T. DAVIES (Fulham)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, if his attention has been drawn to a fire that occurred on the Baker Street and Waterloo Tube Railway; and, having regard to the results that might attend a fire on an underground railway, where there is no possibility for any passengers who might be in the train to escape, whether he has directed an inquiry to be made; if not, will he do so; and whether he will also direct that immediate notification be sent to the London Fire Brigade by the company on whose line a fire may occur, so that its expert knowledge might be utilised in inquiries that might be made on any future fires on underground railways in London.
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEThe accident referred to by my hon. friend occurred on the 13th instant and on the following day. The circumstances were carefully investigated by the Board's electrical adviser, whose observations are now before the Department. I shall be glad to show a copy to my hon. friend if he will call at the Board of Trade. I understand from the Report that the cars, being of steel, sustained no material damage, and that no personal injuries were caused. It is satisfactory to find that the Board's requirements, designed to provide against risks from fire on "tube" railways, appear to have been adequate in this case. As far as regards the provision at stations of hydrants, etc., the Board's requirements (of which I will furnish a copy to my hon. friend) were framed in concert with the London County Council, and the Board required the company to obtain, before the opening of the line was authorised, a certificate that the chief officer of the fire brigade was satisfied that the prescribed precautions had been duly given 1249 effect to. The concluding suggestion made by my hon. friend shall receive my consideration.