§ 2.48 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 it is proposed to publish the report of the inquiry into the Lewisham train disaster.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, owing to the death of Lieutenant-Colonel G. R. S. Wilson, the late Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways, the completion of the inquiry into the Lewisham train disaster has been unavoidably delayed. Brigadier C. A. Langley, who has been appointed in his place, is nearing the end of his investigations and his report will be published as soon as possible.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, may I thank the noble Lord for his reply and ask him to appreciate that I fully understand the cause of the delay. Might I also ask him, not only on my own behalf but also, perhaps I may be presumptuous enough to say, on behalf of the whole House, to express to his right honourable friend the Minister of Transport our deep regret at the death of Colonel Wilson which caused this delay and how sad we are at the loss of a very great public servant.
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I am sure that there will be widespread agreement with what the noble Lord, Lord Lucas of Chilworth, has said.
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether the Report will be published before the conclusion of the present trial for manslaughter.
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I am afraid I can give my noble friend Lord Saltoun no date.