HC Deb 11 November 1969 vol 791 cc160-1
15. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Transport how many derailments of trains occurred in the first 10 months of 1969; and what were the comparable figures in the first 10 months of 1967, 1965 and 1963, respectively.

Mr. Murray

The provisional figure for reportable derailments on all railways in Great Britain for the first 10 months is 342. The comparable figures for 1967, 1965 and 1963 are 256, 207 and 190 respectively.

Mr. Taylor

Is it not very disturbing that derailment figures have continued to increase despite a substantial reduction in track mileage? When does the hon. Gentleman expect we shall see the improvement in the figures which was expected earlier this year when the Minister called for special measures?

Mr. Murray

All sorts of steps are being taken by the British Railways Board on speeds, driver training and route knowledge. All of us want to see a reduction in these figures, but it should be borne in mind that in terms of millions of freight miles the figure is very low.

Mr. Ron Lewis

Can my right hon. Friend give a further breakdown of those figures between passenger and freight?

Mr. Murray

I think my hon. Friend will find that the passenger train derailments have kept fairly constant. Inthe first ten months of 1963 the figure was 34, in 1965 it was 20, in 1967 it was 23, and in 1969 so far it is 19.

Mr. Peter Walker

Can the hon. Gentleman pay particular regard to the problem of trains carrying ammunition, asI gather that some concern has been expressed that these trains have been particularly prone to derailments?

Mr. Murray

Again, the number since 1945 is very low indeed. The Ministry is very much aware of this problem and is taking the necessary steps with British Railways.