§ Mr. HUDSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that trains, consisting of goods and mineral traffic, are being run between Washington and Penshaw Junction without a brake-van in the rear; can he say why the North-Eastern Railway Company are working those trains in this way outside of station limits; and what authority have they for doing so?
Mr. TENNANTOn certain trains passing through the places named considerable delay would be caused if the brake van were at the rear of the train. The railway company therefore arrange that whilst the train is passing over this short section of line, less than one mile in length, the brake-van is next the engine. The Board are advised that if a proper 1040 tail lamp is placed on the last wagon no objection need be taken to this method of working, and the company undertook some years ago that the last wagon should carry a tail lamp.
§ Mr. HUDSONDo I understand the Board of Trade has issued their authority to run trains in this way?
§ Mr. HUDSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is entirely outside the station limits?
§ Mr. HUDSONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that trains consisting of 34 wagons laden with ironstone are being run between Kilton mines and Brotton, North-Eastern Railway, without a brake-van in the rear, the guard having to ride on the last wagon, carrying with him the staff for the single line, brake stick, and at night time a hand-lamp; and can he say under what regulation those trains are being worked in this way outside of station limits?
Mr. TENNANTInquiries are being made in this matter and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.
§ Mr. HUDSONasked why the accidents to employés which occurred at Tyne Dock, Boosbeck, and other places on the North-Eastern Railway, in the month of January this year, were not inquired into until quite recently in the latter part of April?
Mr. TENNANTI regret these delays, which I understand were due to the fact that the sub-inspecting officer, who usually holds inquiries in this district, was incapacitated by an accident.
§ Mr. HUDSONDo I understand that they are in want of more sub-inspectors to carry out these duties, seeing that this matter has waited three months?
Mr. TENNANTNo; I do not think we want more sub-inspectors. The delay would never have occurred had it not been for the very unfortunate accidents, which could not be foreseen.