§ 23. Mr. JAMES HOGGEasked why Colonel Druitt did not arrive on the scene of the Highland Railway disaster at once, as promised; why none of the passengers were examined at the inquiry; whether no evidence was led as to the depth of the foundations of the bridge under the bottom of the burn; what was the height of the bridge above the level of the burn; and whether there was any precaution to prevent the damming of the water by means of a strong fence to avoid trees being swept against the bridge?
§ Mr. BURNSI understand from Colonel Druitt that he had reason to believe that it would have been inconvenient to all concerned to open the inquiry at once. The accident was due to the collapse of a bridge, and Colonel Druitt did not consider that any passenger would be in a position to throw light on the cause of this collapse. Detailed evidence was given as to the nature and depths of the foundations and all other matters relevant to the object of the inquiry. These and all the other points mentioned will be fully dealt with in the inspecting officer's report.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the right hon. Gentleman take precautions to secure that in the case of the approaches of any bridges on the Highland Railway the fences will in all cases be placed so as to avoid trees being driven against the bridges?