HC Deb 13 November 1928 vol 222 cc703-4W
Mr. VIANT

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been directed to the outbreak of fire in the railway accident at Charfield, and to Tie fact that the carriages were lighted with gas; and whether, in view of the repeated recommendations that gas, as an illuminant for railway carriages, should be dispensed with, he will consider the desirability of taking steps to enforce these recommendations?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the recent railway accident at Charfield, which resulted in serious loss of life by burning and suffocation through the train being lighted by gas, what steps he is taking with the railway companies in order that this inflammable system of lighting trains by gas may be superseded?

Colonel ASHLEY

As regards the use of gas for lighting railway carriages, I would refer hon. Members to the answer given on 8th November to a question on this subject asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Heywood (Colonel England). I may add that any recommendations on this subject which may be made as a result of the inquiry into the particular railway accident mentioned in the questions will be carefully considered as soon as I receive the report of that inquiry.