asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the London and North Eastern Railway Company have discontinued the practice of having the main-running lines examined on Sundays in the Darlington district; and if, in view of the danger of accidents being caused through this lack of inspection, he will take up this matter with the railway company?

The responsibility for the proper and safe maintenance of the permanent way rests entirely with the railway company, over whom, in regard to this matter, I have no jurisdiction. I have, however, been in communication with the company in the matter, and am informed by them that ordinary Sunday length inspection in a large portion of the North Eastern Area of their system, which does not, however, include their main line from Shaftholme to Berwick, has been discontinued since early in 1925, and that there has been no change in practice in this area except that the inspection on Sundays of two additional short sections has been discontinued during recent months. The company state that they are advised by their responsible engineer that the present arrangements are adequate, and I see no reason to question their view.