§ Mr. JAMES THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fatal accident to a shunter named Burdett whilst riding on the step of a shunting engine at Colwick Yard, Great Northern Railway, on 17th November, 1910; if so, whether his attention has been called to the dangerous method of working in this yard, where the men are neither supplied with uniform nor rule book; and whether any representation has been made by the inspecting officer who conducted the Board of Trade inquiry?
§ Mr. TENNANTAn inquiry was held into this accident (which took place on 28th October) and the Board have been in communication with the company as regards certain recommendations contained in the sub-inspecting officer's report. The company state that it is their practice to provide every supernumerary porter regularly employed with a copy of the rule book, and that it is regretted that there was a failure to do so in this instance. I do not gather that absence of uniform had any bearing upon the accident. The Board of Trade are still in correspondence with the company as to the method of working the yard.
§ Mr. JAMES THOMASIs the hon. Gentleman aware that uniform is the only method by which the men can be distinguished, and that therefore the absence of uniform has a distinct bearing on this man's death?
§ Mr. TENNANTThat will be borne in mind.