§ 21. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a report of an accident which occurred at a level crossing near Wennington, between Rainham and Purfleet, on Sunday, 10th March, in which a train from Shoeburyness to Fenchurch Street dashed into a herd of 500 cows; what regulations exist in order that railway companies should have gates closed at all level crossings during the passage of trains; and does he propose to hold an inquiry?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIt appears, from the railway company's return, that the accident to which the hon. Member refers occurred at an occupation level crossing. It is not for the railway companies to provide attendance at such crossings, and it is the duty of persons using them to take reasonable steps to see that they can he used in safety. I do not propose to hold an inquiry into this particular accident.
§ Mr. DAYWould not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman then consider insisting that gates should be put across crossings of this kind, so that a large number of cattle could not be slaughtered in this way?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI presume there were gates across this level crossing.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. and and gallant Gentleman say, from his information, whether the gates were open or shut?
§ Colonel ASHLEYObviously they must have been open, or the cows could not have got on to the line.