§ 2.46 p.m.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when the report of the inspecting officer of railways, who inquired into the circumstances of the fire upon an express train near Huntingdon on July 14 last, the inquiry into which was held during that month, will be published.]
LORD LLOYDMy Lords, in the unavoidable absence of my noble friend Lord Leathers, I have been asked to reply. The inspecting officer's report of his inquiry into this accident is now with the printers, and I expect that it will be published in about a fortnight's time. The report will be comprehensive and will also cover outstanding questions arising from the report on the Beattock train fire.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for the fullness of his reply. I make no complaint whatever about the delay, as I have some knowledge of the circumstances causing it. However, I think it would be fair to tell the noble Lord that after we have had an opportunity of studying the report, and because it may raise matters of vital, public importance, my noble friends and I may think fit to put down a Motion for debate. I hope that will be agreeable to Her Majesty's Government.