§ Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the amount of damage done on the railways to fragile goods by the use of couplings which allow of violent jerks in shunting, any progress is being made toward.4 the more general adoption on goods trains of couplings which obviate this?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe use of screw couplings on railways is being gradually extended in connection with the ruining of fast goods trains, but I am advised 1787W that for ordinary purposes loose couplings, which can be more readily and more safely coupled or uncoupled, have certain advantages.