§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research into the fire on a train last autumn in the Penmanshiel tunnel near Berwick disclosed that the lacquer paintwork was 16.7 per cent. nitro-cellulose and 75 per cent. solvent; how far conditions in the recent fatal fire on the Birmingham—Glasgow train were similar; and what action he proposes to take in this connection.
§ Mr. BarnesI am aware from the report which was made to me by the Inspecting Officer of Railways who conducted the inquiry into the train fire at Penmanshiel last summer that the composition of the clear lacquer concerned was substantially as stated by the hon. Member. I am sending him a copy of the report from which it will be seen that the coaches which had been sprayed with this particular cellulose lacquer were withdrawn from service immediately after the accident. Other coaches in which cellulose lacquers of any kind may have been used are being tested for fire risk as they pass through the shops for repair, and preventive precautions are being taken as may be suitable. The whole question of the interior finishing of railway coaches in relation to fire risks is under review with the Railway Executive.
The fatal fire near Beattock of 8th June this year is under inquiry by an Inspecting Officer of Railways and it will be appreciated that until his report is received, I am not in a position to make any statement.