Mr. FOOT MITCHELLasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the recent inquest in connection with a fatal railway level-crossing accident, at which everyone denied any responsibility for the safety of those using the crossing, he will consider the desirability of suggesting to the various railway companies the need for investigating the position of all level crossings, with the object of ensuring proper safeguards both for the public who use them and for those who travel by train?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe responsibility of a railway company in connection with the safety arrangements at a level crossing depends upon the nature of the crossing. At an ordinary public road crossing the company are required, with a view to securing the safety of the public, to provide a crossing keeper to attend to the gates. At an occupation crossing, however, such as that to which I think my hon. Friend refers in his question, the company are under no such obligation, and in that case the persons entitled to use the crossing are, in the absence of negligence on the part of the railway company, responsible for their own safety. My information is that railway companies already take steps when necessary to remind the occupiers of level crossings of their responsibilities, and I understand that this was done in the particular case in question. I will, however, bring my hon. Friend's suggestion to the notice of the railway companies.