§ Mr. Bostonasked the Minister of Transport if she will make a statement about the derailment outside Sitting-bourne, Kent, on Wednesday, 27th July, 1966; whether an inquiry is being held; when it is expected to complete its work; and if she will make a further statement in due course about the cause of the accident.
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§ Mr. SwinglerAt 16.47 on 27th July, the brake van and the rear 18 of the 24 wagons on the electric-hauled 14.17 Hither Green to Dover Marine freight train became derailed between Eastern Junction and Sittingbourne, and 6 wagons fell on their sides. Both the main lines were blocked but were re-opened for traffic at 04.30 on Friday, 29th July, and the Sheerness-Sittingbourne line at 05.10 on Sunday, 31st July, after the very considerable damage to the track had been repaired. The Railways Board is holding an inquiry into the accident and my right hon. Friend is awaiting further information from it before deciding whether to order a formal inquiry. If a formal inquiry is held, the findings as to the cause of the accident will be published in the usual way.