HC Deb 17 January 1968 vol 756 cc1773-4
16. Mr. Higgins

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will direct the Inspector of Accidents to prepare an annual report on the maintenance and safety standards of British Railways, Southern Region.

Mr. John Morris

No, Sir. The Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways prepares an Annual Report on the Safety Record of the Railways as a whole. The Reports, which are available in the Library, give statistical information for each region.

Mr. Higgins

As the Minister is now fully aware apparently of the maintenance standards of Southern Region, could the hon. Gentleman tell us how often the track is inspected by platelayers responsible for each stretch as against the previous situation?

Mr. Morris

This is entirely a matter for the Railways Board. It has taken a number of steps since the Hither Green accident. The maximum speed of trains has been reduced and the patrolling of the line increased between Chislehurst and Hither Green. Both are temporary measures. As regards the general situation, we should await the report of the inspector.

Miss Quennell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the condition and standard of the Southern Region service since the introduction of the new timetable has led to very many extra breakdowns, widespread concern and chaotic service for the unfortunate passengers? Would he consider the matter from the public safety point of view?

Mr. Morris

I have very great sympathy with the passengers in this area; I live in the area myself. But, as the hon. Member knows, this is a matter for the Railways Board. Representations have been made by passengers to the T.U.C.C., which is considering the matter.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that most passengers who have to travel on the Southern Region believe that the vast number of defects which come to light every day—points failures, signal failures, rolling stock failures, and so on—are affecting safety in the region? Will he have a report published which will show the travelling public that a thorough investigation into safety has been carried out by the Ministry and which will reassure passengers?

Mr. Morris

I have explained in a letter to the hon. Member the responsibility of the Minister and the responsibility of the Board. A report will be published on the Hither Green disaster. There is no general power for the Ministry to conduct a general inquiry. But I know that the hon. Gentleman has indicated that he would like to talk about this subject to the general manager of the region. He was invited so to do, and in his letter to my Minister he suggested that there was little point in doing so. I would suggest again to him that he should raise these matters with the general manager.

Mr. Peter Walker

In view of the very widespread anxiety of passengers in this region, involving many thousands of passengers, would the Minister suggest to the Railways Board that it makes an independent inquiry into the safety and timetable factors? I recognise that the railways have had great difficulty in introducing the new timetables and have been successful in many ways, but, because of the public anxiety, it would be in the interests of the railways if there were an independent inquiry to point out the difficulties.

Mr. Morris

There are two different matters. First, there is the issue of safety and this particular accident. An inquiry is now taking place into that. On the issue of the timetables, representations have been made to the T.U.C.C., which is looking into the matter. The responsibility of the Minister is quite different from that of the Railways Board.