§ Mr. W. NICHOLSONasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the speed of trains when passing the Blacknest level crossing on the Bentley-Bordon light railway was limited by the Board of Trade in 1914 to five miles an hour, and that in consequence of this speed being greatly exceeded complaints have been made to the Hampshire county council, by whose direction trains were recently timed when passing this dangerous crossing; that out of 39 trains so timed only three passed at a speed under 10 miler per hour, and none at five miles or under; and whether he will take immediate steps to see that the Board of Trade Regulation should be strictly complied with, or that some other precautions be taken to ensure the safety of those using this crossing?
§ Mr. NEALThe instances of excessive speed at this crossing mentioned by the hon. Gentleman were brought to notice1770W by the County Council some months ago, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport was afterwards assured by the London and South-Western Railway Company that steps were being taken to ensure that in future the speed regulations should be strictly observed. The County Council were informed accordingly on the 14th April last, and no further complaint of breaches of the regulations has been received.