HC Deb 15 March 1948 vol 448 cc1699-700
63. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Transport if he has obtained a report on the recent Glasgow-Euston express fatality in which the engine driver was killed; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)

I have appointed a railway employment inspector to hold an inquiry into this accident, but until I have received his report I am unable to make a statement. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing sympathy with the relatives of the deceased driver and with the fireman who was seriously injured.

Mr. Collins

Has my right hon. Friend noted the report that the accident was due to the blowing out of a furnace or boiler; and that there have been a number of complaints among engine drivers about the condition of such equipment which they are using? Will my right hon. Friend pay particular regard to the fact that but for the heroism of the driver, to whom he rightly paid tribute, there might have been a large number of casualties.

Mr. Barnes

In these matters I think it advisable to wait until I have received the report of the expert inquiry.

Mr. Erroll

Was the boiler coal-fired or oil-fired fired?

Mr. Barnes

Coal-fired.