§ 43. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that during the last three years 30 trains have failed to negotiate the steep Forth Bridge incline, the last being on 7th March, 1954, when the 266W Aberdeen—London express train was, as a consequence of this obstacle, derailed; and what arrangements are in hand for removing this danger to life, limb and property.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn accordance with a recommendation by the inspecting officer, the permitted passenger engine loads have been reviewed and reduced where necessary to minimise the possibility of failure to negotiate the Forth Bridge incline; the loading of freight engines is still being examined. I have also been informed by the British Transport Commission that marker lights are being installed in the Inverkeithing and North Queensferry tunnels, and their provision in other steeply graded tunnels is under review. In addition, the catch siding at the entrance to the North Queensferry tunnel is being moved further back and its design improved.