HC Deb 16 February 1927 vol 202 cc933-4
59. Mr. FENBY

asked the Minister of Transport if he has any particulars of the cause of the railway disaster in Hull, on Monday, 14th February; and whether, seeing that this is tin second accident in the same place in 10 days, he will cause inquiries to be made into the construction and arrangements existing at Paragon Station and its approaches for the arrival and departure of trains from this centre?

Colonel ASHLEY

I have ordered inquiries to be held into the, circumstances of both of the accidents to which the hon. Member refers, and until I receive the reports of these inquiries, I shall not be in a position to snake any statement. I have, however, called the attention of the Inspecting Officer to the points raised in the question.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there have been no complaints at all about the efficiency of the station itself at Hull, and that the accident occurred well outside the station?

Colonel ASHLEY

All I have asked the Inspecting Officer to do, when he is inquiring into the exact cause of the accident, is to inquire into all the circumstances.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that it is one of the most up-to-date stations in England?

Mr. GROTRIAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since the amalgamation of the railways, the London and North-Eastern Railway Company have closed two passenger stations in Hull, and thus aggravated a situation which was becoming intolerable?

Mr. THOMAS

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman keep in mind that there is still to be an inquiry which may involve the personal position of men, and would it not be much better not to prejudice the case?

Colonel ASHLEY

I have no wish to prejudice the case; all I wish is that the inspecting officer should he fully seized of the position.

Sir J. NALL

Is it not thoroughly undesirable to raise an agitation before these inquiries are held?

Colonel ASHLEY

No agitation has been raised. An inquiry is always held, and all I said was that I would draw the attention of the inspecting officer to the points raised in the original question.