§ MR. HUDSON (Newcastle-on-Tyne)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the increase in the working of passenger trains by engines running tender first; whether the provision of weather-boards for tenders meets the reqirements of the Railway Department of his Board; and will he state what recommendations, if any, have been made to the railway companies on the matter.
§ MR. KEARLEYWhen the attention of the Board of Trade has been drawn to cases in which trains are worked by engines running tender first they have communicated with the companies concerned, and have said that the practice is one which they do not regard with favour. Each case is considered on its merits, but as a rule I should say that the provision of weather-boards would not meet all objections. If my hon. friend desires to bring any particular cases to my notice I will have inquiry made.