§ MAJOR DUNNE (Walsall)To ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that unavailing representations, with regard to a dangerous level crossing at Streetly station, have been made to the directors of the Midland Railway, and that they have refused to do anything, notwithstanding that there is a bridge already in existence which could be utilised; whether the Board of Trade have any power to insist on proper facilities being provided for passengers crossing the line in this and similar cases where danger to life exists; and, if not, whether he will take steps to procure for the Board of Trade the necessary statutory powers.
(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) The Board of Trade have received representations from the Wallsall chamber of commerce with regard to the absence of a footbridge at this station, and have been in communication with the railway company on the subject. The company do not see their way to erect a footbridge, and the case is not one in which the Board of Trade have any compulsory powers. I may add that there is no record of any accident having occurred at the spot in the last five years.