HC Deb 06 June 1962 vol 661 c464
36. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the circumstances that resulted in the three North Staffordshire platelayers being killed on the main Stafford to Crewe railway line on Sunday, 20th May.

Mr. Hay

Yes, Sir. On Sunday, 20th May, engineering work was in hand on the fast lines between Stafford and Crewe. Five lengthmen were sent from Badnall Wharf to Norton Bridge to fetch lamps, and I regret to say that three of them were killed at Norton Bridge at about 10.15 p.m. It appears they were struck by a diesel train which crossed over the fast lines. An inquiry will be held by our Senior Railway Employment Inspector in the near future.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will the Parliamentary Secretary give instructions that his regional representative shall take a special interest in this case so that the young wives and large families concerned may suffer no more than is absolutely necessary?

Mr. Hay

Of course, we shall treat the matter with the utmost sympathy, but I should make it clear that all these inquiries into railway accidents, whether fatalities are involved or not, are always looked at with the utmost seriousness and with great care.