§ 22. Mr. CHARLETONasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the. dangerous condition of the Stratford carriage sidings on the London and North Eastern Railway, owing to gas standards in the six-foot ways traversed by the shunters, and of the recommendations of his inspecting officer in regard thereto; if he will press the company, in the interests of safety, to carry out those recommendations without further delay; and will he explain the delay of his Department in replying to the representations on the matter which have been made direct?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon)As a result of representations made to my Department in regard to this matter, an inspection was held, and the inspecting officer recommended that recessed equipment should be substituted for the existing gas standards as opportunity arises, and that meanwhile the standards should be painted white, and kept in that condition. The company have accepted these recommendations, and I am now in communication with them on the question of the date by which the substitution which has been recommended can be completed. Those who made the representations have been informed of the position, and will be informed of the result of the 1140 further discussion now taking place with the company.
§ Mr. CHARLETONWhy did the Department keep the people waiting four months for a reply to their first letter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONI have been trying to find out what delay occurred as regards my own Department, and I cannot find that any occurred. If the hon. Member will give me further particulars, I will go into it and let him know.