§ Mr. ATTLEE(by private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give the House the latest information regarding the railway disaster at Welwyn Garden City?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Hore-Belisha)I understand from the 24 London and North Eastern Railway Company that the 10.50 p.m. parcels and passenger train from King's Cross ran into the rear of the duplicate portion of the 10.45 p.m. Newcastle-West Riding express on Saturday night near Welwyn Garden City Station. The latest information which I have received from the company is that 14 persons were killed or have since died, and that the injured number 45. The House will wish me to take this opportunity of expressing the deep sympathy which we must all feel for those affected by the accident. I have already appointed the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways to hold an inquiry into the circumstances.
§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHWill the Minister take steps to inquire whether there are not too many trains in too short a space of time using that particular line?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe chief Inspecting officer will hold the inquiry, and will take all the relevant evidence.