§ Mr. Charletonasked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the number of railway accidents since 1930 which, in the opinion of the inspectors, might have been prevented if some system of automatic train control had been in operation, as recommended in 1930 by the committee appointed to consider this question?
§ Mr. Burgin:In the eight years 1930 to 1937 inclusive, 112 inquiries were held into train accidents. In the opinion of the inspecting officers, automatic train control in one form or another might have prevented, or mitigated the effects of, 31 of these accidents and automatic train control of the warning type might have prevented 13 of these.
§ Mr. Charletonasked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the number of engine-drivers on the Great Western Railway who were reported for passing home signals at danger when working trains fitted with an automatic 1422W continuous brake during the years 1930 and 1937, respectively?
§ Mr. Burgin:I am in communication with the Great Western Railway Company and will let the hon. Member know the result.