HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 cc544-5
13. Mr. Lane

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now make a further statement regarding automatic half-barrier crossings on railways in built-up areas.

45. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now make a statement on the result of the recent inquiries into the efficiency and safety of automatic level crossings.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Richard Marsh)

I would ask the hon. Members to await the statement which I propose to make at the end of Questions tomorrow.

Mr. Lane

I look forward to that. In making the statement, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that whatever safety improvements may be introduced for such crossings in open country there remains very deep public anxiety about more of the crossings being installed in built-up areas, particularly in the vicinity of schools?

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Is the Minister aware that it is two months since the inquiry completed its detailed considerations? Will he give an assurance that his statement tomorrow will consider the position of existing crossings as well as those which might or might not be constructed in the future?

Mr. Marsh

The intention is to make a statement in the House and to publish the full report.