HC Deb 09 June 1969 vol 784 cc939-40
24. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to British Railways that they should re-examine the speed limits on sharp curves on all main-line routes with a view to ensuring that trains travel at speeds which do not involve the risk of causing derailments and other mishaps.

Mr. Carmichael

No, Sir. The regulation of the speed of trains is a matter for the Board and it would not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend to issue a general direction.

Mr. Hughes

Surely, if it is a matter for the Board, it is also a matter for the general populace? Will my hon. Friend give a direction so that science can be used to re-lay the tracks and make them more consistent with the age of speed in which we live, and so save life?

Mr. Carmichael

Safety is the statutory responsibility of the British Railways Board. On the questions of track, experimenting and generally studying the question of speed, British Railways are as far ahead as anyone in the world with their continuously welded track, and there is the possibility of a high-speed advance passenger train, which is exciting railway people all over the world. The basis of all this is safety.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Whilst I appreciate the action that is being taken, in view of the figures the Minister gave a short while ago of train derailments increasing by about 40 per cent. in four years despite the reduction in track mileage, will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this matter is regarded as one of great urgency by all concerned?

Mr. Carmichael

Of course it is, but while there have been accidents we must keep the matter in proportion. There are roughly 1 million train miles per derailment and 100 million passenger journeys for each fatal accident caused by derailment. Whilst this is not something which we should ever forget or over look, we should get it into perspective.