§ 38. Colonel Clarkeasked the Minister of Transport how many children have been electrocuted in the last year on live rails, other than those belonging to the London Transport Executive; and what steps are being taken to prevent children getting access to these lines.
§ Mr. BarnesThe answer to the first part of the Question is 11 killed and 12 injured during 1948. As regards the second part, full information is given on pages 27 to 29 of the Annual Report of the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways for 1948, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy.
§ Colonel ClarkeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an expert committee recently reported that overhead transmission was more economical than live rails, and will he assure the House that no more rails will be electrified and that overhead transmission will be employed instead?
§ Mr. BarnesI cannot make a pledge for the future, but in the extension of electrification to Shenfield the overhead system is being introduced.