§ 58. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of a recent inquiry into an accident at Queen Street Station, Glasgow; that the inquiry was held in the offices of the company concerned, namely, the London and North Eastern Railway Company; that the room was ill-adapted for this purpose; that it was well-nigh impossible for any member of the public to follow the evidence and the questions put by the chairman could not be heard at the Press table; and if he will take steps to see in future that an inquiry is held in a proper building for the purpose and free from any railway company influence?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)The inquiry to which the hon. Member appears to refer was held on 18th October last. The inspecting officer who held the inquiry informs me that, so far as he can recollect, the room provided was adequate for the purpose, and I cannot find that any previous representations in the matter have been received. It is usually found convenient to hold railway accident inquiries on the premises of the railway company concerned when suitable accommodation is available there.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the room was entirely inadequate for the purpose, that 537 no member of the public could hear questions or answers, and that the Press complained bitterly of the inadequacy of the accommodation?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe opinion of the inspector, who is a very experienced man, is that the room was quite adequate, and, as to the Press not hearing, a very full report appeared in the Glasgow evening papers the same day.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was not a full report and that the Press complained about the accommodation, and will he make personal inquiries?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf the hon. Member presses me, I will make further inquiries, but I am sure that if the Press had made complaints to the inspector they would have been attended to.