§ MR. B. S. STRAUS (Tower Hamlets, Mile End)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, on 15th July at about 6 a.m., a horse was electrified by a live stud n the Mile End Road, severely burned on the flank and forelegs, and would have been killed if he had not been promptly pulled off; and whether he will, in the 1715 interests of public safety, withdraw the Board of Trade provisional certificate.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Board of Trade are informed by the London County Council that on the date named a horse came in contact with a stud which was electrically charged, and sustained some slight injuries. The use of the system in operation on the tramway in question has been sanctioned as an experiment for a period of six months from the 23rd ult. If at the end of that period the council desire a renewal of the sanction, the number and nature of any accidents that have occurred will, of course, be a factor in the consideration of the question.
§ MR. B. S. STRAUSMay I ask whether it is going to be stopped permanently?
§ MR. CHURCHILLSo far as the Board of Trade is concerned, we have given a provisional sanction for six months, and until this period has expired we can do nothing. Whether the line is stopped permanently or not, I cannot say.
§ MR. B. S. STRAUSCannot the Board of Trade withdraw the certificate?
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe sanction was provisional in the sense that at the end of six months it must come up for review, and I am informed that we have no power to withdraw it within that period.