Derailments

HC Deb 09 June 1969 vol 784 cc938-9

2. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Transport how many trains were derailed in 1968; and what were the comparable figures in each of the previous three years.

Mr. Carmichael

The provisional total number of reportable derailments on all railways in Great Britain in 1968 is 370. The comparable figures for 1965, 1966 and 1967 are 260, 289 and 311 respectively.

Mr. Taylor

Are not these figures disturbing? As Colonel McMullen expressed concern about the trend in his report over a year ago, can the Parliamentary Secretary give any indication of what steps are being taken to endeavour to identify the causes?

Mr. Carmichael

I remember Colonel McMullen's Report. It is in the Library. The steps that have been taken are a reduction in the speed of freight wagons, including short wheelbase wagons, improved training of drivers, action to check the observance of speed limits, including radar checks, the replacement of jointed track by continuous welded rails, and modification of braking systems. I will write to the hon. Gentleman if he wants fuller details, because I know that he is very concerned about this matter.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Did some of the derailments occur at places where jointing of the long rails did not have sleepers underneath? If so, what action is being taken?

Mr. Carmichael

I could not say. It is unlikely that there would be many rails welded without having proper support, but I will look into this point.

Mr. Speed

Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there have been a large number of derailments on the most modern stretch of track in Britain—the electrified line out of Euston? Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the signalling and track maintenance are up to the very high speeds of the trains using this stretch of track?

Mr. Carmichael

Colonel McMullen stressed in his report the difficulties arising in the case of short wheelbase wagons. This is the main problem. Speeds of trains with wagons such as these have been reduced twice, but modern conditions of longer runs and various other matters give rise to difficulties which are only now becoming apparent. Every effort is being made. The Railway Inspectorate is kept fully informed of all derailments and makes a detailed examination of them.