HC Deb 13 July 1949 vol 467 cc437-8
64. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will recommend British Railways to devise a carriage door lock that will defy tampering by children in view of the accidents which are resulting to children falling from crowded trains.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. James Callaghan)

No, Sir. Experience shows that locks on railway carriage doors are generally safe against accidental mishandling.

Mr. Janner

Has my hon. Friend taken into consideration the recommendation made by the jury in a recent case when an inquest was held on a boy who had fallen out of a train in consequence of the fact that there was not such a lock? Will my hon. Friend reconsider the matter in the light of these circumstances?

Mr. Callaghan

The annual report of the Chief Inspector of Accidents for 1948 shows that the matter has been reconsidered, and recommends no change in the existing practice.

Mr. Harrison

Has there been any recent increase in accidents of the kind referred to in the Question?

Mr. Callaghan

No, Sir. The number of accidents is one per 35 million passenger journeys.

Mr. Scollan

Have the transport authorities considered the advisability of abolishing the old type of single-compartment coaches and making one compartment for the whole coach?