HC Deb 24 October 1949 vol 468 cc985-6
15. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the number of railway accidents which took place during the years 1947, 1948 and during the six months ended 30th June, 1949, indicating in general terms the causes of such accidents, and the number of deaths and serious injuries incurred during those three periods respectively.

Mr. Barnes

The information for the years 1947 and 1948 is contained in the report of the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways for the year 1948, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. It is not practicable to prepare such detailed statistics, as are contained in this Report, for a six-monthly period only, but with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of train accidents which took place during the six months ended 30th June, 1949.

Sir P. Hannon

May I ask whether, in conjunction with the local authorities, everything possible is being done to prevent an accumulation of accidents upon the roads all over the country?

Mr. Barnes

The hon. Member's Question is directed to railways and not to roads.

Following are the particulars:

Train Accidents 1st January to 30th June, 1949
Total Number 554
Killed Seriously Injured
Passengers 6
Servants 3 7
Other Persons 1 3
4 16
Causes Human Element
Train Crews 118
Signalmen 157
Technical Defects 159
Other Causes 120
554