HC Deb 03 February 1913 vol 47 cc1824-5W
Mr. JAMES THOMAS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a goods guard named Richardson, employed by the Midland Railway Company at Normanton, has been dismissed from his employment for refusing to take more wagons on his train than is allowed in the company's printed rules and appendices; that Richardson's refusal to disregard the company's printed instructions was in consequence of his being satisfied that to do so would endanger his and other railwaymen's lives and also the travelling public; and that,. on his appeal to the chief official at Derby, Mr. Owen, he was told that he must do what he was told, even if it was to take his train on the wrong line; and whether, having regard to the seriousness of such instructions, the dangers to the travelling public, and the uncertainty which exists amongst the men as to what their duties are, he will cause an immediate inquiry to be made with a view of preventing what may result in loss of life?

Mr. BUXTON

I cannot enter into a question of discipline; but if my hon. Friend alleges that an excessive number of wagons was attached to the train in question, and will furnish me with particulars, I will consider whether I can usefully communicate with the company.

Mr. JAMES THOMAS

also asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on the 24th January, 1913, the 9.12 a.m. trip train from Carlton Exchange Sidings to Manners Main Colliery, Midland Railway, was worked without a guard's brake van; and whether, seeing that, having regard to the fact that three passenger stations were passed during the journey, namely, Cudworth, Darfield, and Wath, and two important junctions, this system is dangerous and contrary to all rules and regulations, and that the guard in charge of the train protested against this practice, but was compelled to work by a higher official, he will say what action he proposes to take to protect the travelling public, and also railwaymen, from having to work under such circumstances?

Mr. BUXTON

I am communicating with the Midland Railway Company in re- gard to this ease, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.