§ 43 and 47. Mr. THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware of the growing practice on the Midland Railway to run double-headed trains with as many as 100 wagons with only one brake-van; and, having regard to the danger to the railwaymen and the travelling public that must arise if any accident occurs, what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter; and (2) whether he is aware that on Sunday, 23rd February, the 11.10 a.m. Midland Railway train left Gawhole sidings for Moston sidings, Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, a distance of over fifteen miles, passing over en route a dangerous gradient and three important junctions; that one of the drivers of the train, which was double-headed, informed the foreman that he did not know the road and that he had not been over a portion of the road in his life; that the foreman informed him that he must go as the other driver knew the road, and that was sufficient; and, having regard to the fact that this is a distinct violation of Rule 138 of the company's rules and regulations and a standing menace both to the men and the public, what action he proposes to take to safeguard the men who endeavour to strictly carry out the rules and regulations of the company?
Mr. BUXTONI have communicated with the company in regard to the matters referred to in these questions, relating to the Midland Railway Company, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.