§ 106. Mr. Dainesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of an accident on the District Railway in East London on 1st December; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterYes. At about 8.38 p.m. on the 1st December after a power failure had occurred, the 5.4 p.m. District Line train from Acton Town to Upminster, carrying about 800 passengers, collided at slow speed with an empty train which was standing in Bromley-by-Bow Station. There was no derailment and damage to the coaches was slight. Thirty-six passengers were taken to hospital for minor injuries and shock; two only were detained and have since been discharged. I appointed Colonel W. P. Reed, an Inspecting Officer of Railways, to hold an Inquiry into this accident. His Inquiry took place on the 9th December, and I am sure the House will understand that I cannot make any further statement until I receive his report.