§ Mr. Allan Chapman(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether he is able to make a statement regarding the accident in Rutherglen Station on Friday last to the 1.38 p.m. train from Lanark to Glasgow, involving the death of one passenger and injuries to 18 others?
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Burgin)I have had a report from the London Midland and Scottish Railway, from which it appears that the train from Lanark to Glasgow Central became derailed while passing through Rutherglen. It is with great regret I have to state that 19 persons were injured. One of 764 them has since died. I have already appointed an officer to hold an inquiry into the circumstances of the accident and a report will be published in due course. The House will wish me to take this opportunity of expressing the deep sympathy which we must all feel with those who are affected by the accident.
§ Mr. ChapmanWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, is it possible for him to inform the House of the type of coach or coaches in which the injured persons were travelling?
§ Mr. BurginThe inquiry is to be held in Glasgow, I believe on Wednesday of this week, and I do not think it would be advisable for me to go into details now. The House will recollect that this was not a collision, so that perhaps the matter raised by my hon. Friend may not be very material.