HC Deb 23 February 1953 vol 511 cc1727-8
54. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Transport how many workmen employed by the British Transport Commission have been killed within the most recent ascertainable 12 months whilst working on the permanent way; and what additional steps have been taken to reduce the number of these accidents.

Mr. Braithwaite

During the 12 months to 31st December, 1951, my right hon. Friend has received reports of 46 fatalities to railway servants who were struck by engines or trains while working on the permanent way, compared with the average of 59 for the five years 1946–50. The final figure for 1952 is not yet available, but it will be about 60. The majority of these regrettable accidents are caused by want of individual care and disregard of simple safety rules, and prevention is largely a matter of discipline. Inquiries are held by the Railway Employment Inspectors into all the fatalities and injuries reported, and their recommendations invariably receive the close attention of the railway authorities. Educative measures include the wide circulation of the reports among the staff.

Mr. Beswick

Would not the Minister agree that to have 60 people killed like this in one year is a deplorably high figure? Is he aware that a number of people think that the British Transport Commission are rather complacent about this? Would he see whether anything more can be done to provide distinctive clothing or colouring to men working on the permanent ways so that drivers may have a better chance of picking them out?

Mr. Braithwaite

I will pass that suggestion on to the Commission.

Mr. Popplewell

Would the hon. Gentleman suggest to the Railway Executive that instead of its being the responsibility of the ganger to appoint a look-out man from among those working on the track it should be the responsibility of the management to provide a look-out man to give protection to these men on every occasion?

Mr. Braithwaite

As the hon. Gentleman knows, that suggestion has been considered time after time over a considerable number of years, and the general feeling is that if a look-out man were on duty as a matter of routine he would be less alert than if he were appointed to guard against a particular danger. It is important that those who work on the lines should also remember their individual responsibility for looking out for danger.

Mr. Popplewell

Would the hon. Gentleman have inquiries made to find out how many men were killed on occasions when there was a look-out and how many when there was not a look-out? Is he aware that if he does he will prove that his argument is wrong?

Mr. Braithwaite

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.