VISCOUNT GALWAYMy Lords, I rise to move for a Return of the total number of persons injured by what is called the "live rail" on railways in the years 1904, 1905, 1906, and the first eight months of 1907; defining in the Return the number of fatal accidents, and on what railway companies they took place. In the neighbourhood of Newcastle eight deaths and twenty serious accidents were caused by the "live rail" in 1904, but I believe the number was less in 1905. I have in my hand newspaper accounts of other accidents which have happened since 30th June in this year, 724 and they record the fact that two deaths and one serious accident have occurred in this way. I think after these accounts for the last six weeks it is time attention was drawn to this danger, and I shall bring the matter forward early next session in the hope that proper safeguards may be introduced, and it is with that object that I beg to move for the Return standing in my name.
Moved, "That there be laid before the, House a Return of the total number of persons injured by what is called the "live rail" on railways in the years 1904, 1905, 1906, and the first eight months of 1907; defining in the Return the number of fatal accidents, and on what railway companies they took place."—(Viscount Galway.)
§ THE EARL OF GRANARDMy Lords, the Board of Trade will be very pleased to furnish the Return asked for by the noble Lord, and if he will consent to wait another fortnight the Return can be presented up to the end of August.
* VISCOUNT GALWAYI will gladly wait in order to have the Return complete.
On Question, Motion agree I to, and ordered accordingly.