HC Deb 09 February 1944 vol 396 cc1756-7
33. Mr. Charleton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he will state the number of accidents that have occurred on British railways which his inspectors have reported might have been avoided if some form of automatic train control had been in operation; and how many lives were lost in those accidents since the committee which his Department appointed to re-examine the problem of automatic train control issued their unanimous Report in 1930.

Mr. Noel-Baker

During the 13 years from 1931 to 1943, there were 23 accidents, the reports on which showed that some form of automatic train control might have prevented or mitigated the effects of the accident. In these accidents, 104 lives were lost.

Mr. Charleton

Having regard to the evidence which was given at the recent inquest following the accident at Ilford in which a very respected Member of this House lost his life, will the Minister consider the desirability of bringing this railway into line with the Great Western Railway in the matter of automatic train control?

Mr. Noel-Baker

As my hon. Friend is aware, when the war began, the L.M.S. and the L.N.E.R. were experimenting with the Hudd system. The Southern Railway, having experimented with automatic train control, adopted the system of coloured-light signals, which they preferred. I will consider what my hon. Friend has said, however, and see whether anything can be done.

Mr. Charleton

Is the Minister aware that the officials of the Southern Railway agreed to automatic train control in 1930?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, but they changed their minds.