HL Deb 20 June 1950 vol 167 cc801-3

2.42 p.m.

LORD CLYDESMUIR

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government if they can make any statement on fire precautions in railway carriages having particularly in mind the recent accident at Beattock in which five persons lost their lives through the rapid spread of fire.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH)

My Lords, the accident at Beattock on June 8 is under formal inquiry by an Inspecting Officer of Railways, who is, during the course of his investigation, considering the general question of fire precautions in railway carriages. The noble Lord will appreciate that until the Inspecting Officer's report is received I am not in a position to make any statement. I am, however, grateful to the noble Lord for providing me with this opportunity of expressing, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, the deepest sympathy with the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident.

LORD CLYDESMUIR

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that this is not the only accident which has taken, place on British railways in recent months? There have been six fires since the beginning of May. This was, of course, much the more serious accident. Does this not point to some highly inflammable substance being used on trains? Will the noble Lord use every endeavour to allay public anxiety on this point?

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, the noble Lord will appreciate that it would be highly improper for me to make any observation until all the facts of this accident and all the facts regarding fire precautions in general have been investigated. I shall be only too happy to keep the noble Lord informed about progress and, at the appropriate time, to give your Lordships all the information I may have on the matter.

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, if investigation is proceeding, could it not include investigation into sleeping cars, both first class and third class? It is impossible to open the sleeping car windows wide enough to enable occupants to get out in the event of fire occurring at one or other end of the carriage.

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, if the noble Earl will read the answer to the original question, he will see that all the facts in connection with fire precautions are being considered by the Inspector conducting the inquiry into this accident. Doubtless he will take into consideration the point the noble Earl has raised.

LORD CLYDESMUIR

Would the noble Lord like me to put down another Question later on, or will the facts be made fully public without Parliamentary Question?

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, the Inspector's Report, when received, will be published. The noble Lord should then use his own discretion as to whether he thinks another question is required.