§ MR. ALEXANDER CROSS (Glasgow, Camlachie)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been specially directed to the Report, published on Saturday by his Department, made by Captain A. P. Trotter, relating to his inquiry into the fire which broke out recently in an electric carriage on the Liverpool and Southport Railway, and, having in view the liability to such fires inseparable from all electrically-driven railway carriages, what regulations have been made for the protection of the public from the consequences which might ensue from any such fire upon any of the London passenger railway tubes; and whether a copy of such regulations has been ordered to be publicly-exhibited at the stations of all such railways for public information and assurance.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Board of Trade have made special requirements regarding the construction of tube railways with the object of guarding against the risk of fire. These requirements, however, relate to materials, ventilation, insulation, lighting and such matters, and a knowledge of them by passengers would not, I think, add to safety. I may add that hydrants and fire, hose are fixed on every platform, and fire extinguishers are carried in every carriage. Copies of Mr. Trotter's Report have been sent to the railway companies which have adopted electric traction.