HC Deb 06 March 1963 vol 673 cc373-4
24. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the accident at Barking, Essex, on 17th February, when a passenger train was derailed and crashed down an embankment into a chemical works; what other accidents there have been at this point since the completion of the railway modernisation scheme; what steps are being taken to prevent further accidents; and if he will recognise in some suitable way the resourcefulness and initiative of the chemical workers whose prompt action averted a serious disaster.

Mr. Hay

In view of the length of the factual part of the statement, I will, with permission, circulate it in full in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

British Railways have, however, asked me to express their appreciation of the action of the chemical workers, but for whose resourcefulness and initiative the consequences of the accident might have been more serious. I am glad to do this and to add my appreciation to that of the Railways Board.

Mr. Driberg

While I join, as obviously all hon. Members will, in the appreciation which the hon. Gentleman has expressed, may I ask him whether his circulated Answer indicates that there is a special danger at this point?

Mr. Hay

The Answer indicates that there was a special danger, but alterations to the signalling arrangements are now being carried out, which should completely avoid such danger in future.

Following is the statement: On 17th February the driver of the 10.10 a.m. 3-coach multiple-unit train from Barking to Kentish Town ran past a junction signal at Danger at 25–30 m.p.h., and his train was diverted into a short spur line which is provided to protect the junction. The train demolished the buffer stop on the spur line and ran down the bank beyond it, coming to rest partly inside the boundary fence of Messrs. Howards Chemical Works and causing some damage to their equipment. The driver received some cuts but no passengers were injured. A similar accident occurred at the same point on 4th January, 1961; this was after the track layout had been rearranged but before the present colour light-signalling had been introduced. After that accident a special type of buffer stop was installed on the spur line. The railways are considering whether any further improvement in the signalling arrangements is practicable. Meanwhile, a temporary revision of the signalling procedure has been made with the object of preventing further accidents of this type.