§ Mr. Lewis(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport if he has any statement to make in connection with the railway accident that occurred on Wednesday, 8th April, at the Stratford Central Line railway station.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Gurney Braithwaite)Yes, Sir. At about 6.55 p.m. on Wednesday, 8th April, an east-bound passenger train on the London Transport Central Line ran into the rear of a similar train which had stopped about 400 yards east of Stratford station. The first two coaches of the moving train were partly telescoped and were pressed against the sides and roof of the single-line tube tunnel.
I regret to say that 10 passengers lost their lives and six passengers and the motorman of the moving train received serious injuries. I am glad to hear today that the injured are progressing satisfactorily. About 41 others were slightly injured. The relief work undertaken by the London Transport Executive's staff and the local emergency services was most efficient, but the conditions in the restricted space were so difficult that the last two injured passengers could not be released until about 4 a.m. on the following morning.
A formal inquiry will be opened in public by an inspecting officer of railways on Thursday next, 16th April, and the House will appreciate that I cannot make any further statement at present. The London Transport Executive have announced that they will accept liability for all proper claims for compensation.
All right hon. and hon. Members will, I am sure, wish to be associated with an expression of deep sympathy with the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives and with those who were injured.
§ Mr. LewisWhile thanking the Minister for his comprehensive statement and wishing to be associated with the message of sympathy to the relatives of those who unfortunately lost their lives, may I ask if the Minister is aware of the gallantry of those who took part in rescue work under the most appallingly difficult conditions? Is he further aware of the gallantry and heroism shown by the 32 whole of the medical and nursing staff of Queen Mary's Hospital, Stratford, and particularly of the two nurses who volunteered to go into the tunnel to sit with two of those who had suffered and give them comfort? Will he bear in mind the possibility of that fact being recorded and mentioned in the appropriate quarter, so they may be considered for some suitable honour at a future date?
Mr. BraithwaiteMy reply, which expressed appreciation of the work of all the emergency services, was intended to cover all those who played so admirable a part.
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of the fact that one of the dead and five of the injured came from my constituency, may I ask whether the reference by the Parliamentary Secretary to liability being accepted by British Railways covers loss of life as well as other kinds of compensation?
Mr. BraithwaiteI do not wish to go beyond the answer I have given, that proper claims for compensation will be met.