§ 98. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Transport what are his present powers and duties in regard to the prevention of, and investigation into, railway accidents.
§ Mr. CallaghanNo passenger railway or any new work affecting a passenger line may be brought into public service without my right hon. Friend's approval, based on an inspection by one of the Inspecting Officers of Railways. Under62W the Railway Regulation Act, 1871, and the Railway Employment (Prevention of Accidents) Act, 1900, all accidents to trains on passenger railways and all those involving fatality or injury on railway premises are reported to my Department. My right hon. Friend is empowered by these Acts to order an Inquiry into any of the accidents so reported. Reports of such inquiries are published and include recommendations for future prevention where necessary. Under the latter Act also, my right hon. Friend can make rules with the object of reducing or removing the dangers and risks incidental to railway service.