HC Deb 11 November 1968 vol 773 cc16-7
8 and 29. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether, in view of the number of children killed as the result of obtaining access to electrified railway tracks, he will issue a general direction to the Railways Board that all such tracks in urban areas shall be fenced in a manner preventing access by young children;

(2) whether he will introduce legislation clarifying the responsibilities of the railways adequately to fence electrified railway tracks.

Mr. Carmichael

Before approving electrification by conductor rail, we require, at all points where there is substantial risk of trespass, that fencing should be of an "unclimbable" type such as chain mesh and not less than 4 feet 6 inches in height. It is the Railways Board's responsibility to ensure that the fencing is adequately maintained to prevent access to the line. There is no need for legislation.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at Norbiton, on the Southern electric line, three children have been killed at the same spot in the last seven years? Is not that a plain indication that the duty which the hon. Gentleman has described as falling on the Railways Board is not being discharged?

Mr. Carmichael

I am aware of these sad accidents on the line, but, as I said in my Answer, the Railways Board is under an obligation to provide and to maintain this type of fencing. It appears from investigation of these accidents and other accidents that it is very difficult to provide unclimbable fencing or fencing which is 100 per cent. safe when children are determined to get through, over or under it.

Mr. Peter Walker

Would the hon. Gentleman undertake personally to look into the very distressing three accidents referred to by my right hon. Friend which occurred in a short time?

Mr. Carmichael

That has been done. I understand that an additional safety fence has been erected by the local authority, which is the developer in the area, and it is in close touch with the railways. We trust, therefore, that there will be no other accidents in this area.