§ Viscount CURZONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a recent accident which occurred in the city of Hull, when an express train dashed through level-crossing gates and only just missed a motor omnibus crowded with passengers; whether, in view of the prevailing state of unemployment, steps can be taken to do away with level crossings over the more important arteries of traffic; and whether he can indicate what the policy of the Ministry is towards the question of level crossings in general?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second and third parts, existing railway level crossings have been constructed, and are being worked under specific authority given by Parliament in each case. With regard to the future, I should certainly oppose the construction of new level crossings over important arteries of traffic, save in cases where exceptional reasons could be adduced. I may say that no powers for new level crossings are being sought in the Railway Bills of this Session.