§ 42. Brigadier-General Clifton Brownasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that much concern exists at the proposals of the Southern Railway Company to lay down a live electric rail through the middle of the most agricultural and rural districts of West Sussex, and that protests have been made to the railway company against the danger to those employed in agriculture to their animals and farm stock, and to the loss caused in numerous cases by segregating one part of the farm or property from another; and whether he will use his influence to ensure that the railway company arrange for overhead electric cables or some other safe way of giving protection against the dangers of a live rail to children and animals?
The Minister of Transport (Mr. HoreBelisha)If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of any places where children and animals are allowed 399 on an unprotected line, I will make immediate representations.
Brigadier-General BrownIs it not a fact that originally the commission reported in favour of overhead lines for the Southern Railway but they would not accept it, and is it not a fact that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company are using overhead lines?
§ Mr. SimmondsWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that with the overhead system sparks are so frequent that it would be impossible to run trains through air raid periods.
§ Mr. MontagueDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider a live rail wore dangerous to children than a live motor car?