§ Mr. Brewisasked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the omnibus accident on the Kirkstone Pass, Westmorland, in which two persons were killed and 60 injured.
§ Mr. MarplesI take this opportunity first to express my deepest sympathy with the relatives of the two passengers who were killed and with those who were injured in this accident.
According to the reports which I have received, two vehicles were involved—a 1951 Bedford coach, followed by a 1950 Commer coach. At the beginning of the run down the Pass, the two vehicles were fairly well apart, but about half way down, the Bedford, as it was turning a left-hand bend, was struck on the offside rear corner by the Commer vehicle, and, as a result, was forced off course, ran into a low stone wall, went right off the road, turned over and finished on its roof. The upper part of the vehicle was crushed down almost to the level of the seat backs. The Commer vehicle was thrown across the 155W road and turned over on its side. The two people who were killed were in the Bedford. Inquiries are still proceeding.