§ 56. Brigadier-General Spearsasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that within the last three years three fatal accidents have occurred on a 10-mile length of railway in the neighbourhood of Carlisle owing to the narrowness of the bridges on this line; and whether he will take immediate steps to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to prevent further accidents from this cause?
§ Mr. BurginI am aware that three accidents have occurred on the Maryport and Carlisle section of the London Midland and Scottish Railway owing to passengers leaning out of windows. On this line and other old lines there are a number of bridges where the clearance is less than would now be required for new construction. I have no power to compel the company to reconstruct the bridges or to provide narrower rolling stock than is now in use. Warning notices are exhibited in carriages. I will keep the matter under observation.
§ Brigadier-General SpearsHas the Minister no power whatever to prevent these fatal accidents occurring owing to the narrowness of these bridges?
§ Mr. BurginI am keeping this matter under close examination.