HC Deb 12 March 1913 vol 50 cc230-1
17. Mr. PETO

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he has any information as to the exact nature of the colour-vision tests which are used by the various railway companies in the case of locomotive engine drivers, and whether these locomotive engine drivers are put through a form-vision test for the purpose of ascertaining their efficiency in respect of discerning objects at long distances, similar to those imposed by the regulations of the Board of Trade in the case of officers of the mercantile marine?

Mr. BUXTON

The responsibility in this matter rests with the railway companies, and I have no recent information as to the exact nature of the tests adopted by each company.

Mr. PETO

Will the right hon. Gentleman take some early opportunity of ascertaining exactly what the tests are in the case of the railway companies with a view of seeing whether they conform to the new tests proposed for the mercantile marine?

Mr. BUXTON

I take it the object is not quite the same, but I will see what I can do if the hon. Member will communicate with me.

Mr. LYNCH

May I ask if the Holmgren Wool tests are still used in the Department or whether reliance is made now entirely on the lamp?

Mr. BUXTON

That does not arise out of this question, which relates to the railway service. That relates to officers and sailors in the mercantile marine. I have had a Commission appointed, and I will send my hon. Friend a copy of its Report.

Mr. LYNCH

Would not this affect the railway service, in view of the fact that an accident occurred recently through failure to observe the right colour?

Mr. BUXTON

I have said that, as regards the railway service, I have no responsibility in the matter, but as regards the mercantile marine I have.