Mr. John Mc William (Blaydon)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I apologise to my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett) for interrupting his time, but may I ask your advice on how I can, at this late stage in our proceedings, given that we are to adjourn shortly for the summer recess, ask the Secretary of State for Transport to institute an inquiry into the train derailment which happened in Birtley in my constituency?
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Ernest Armstrong)There is no such provision. This is Adjournment time and the hon. Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett) who has been fortunate in the ballot is entitled to have his full time. If he will give his authority for a couple of minutes, I shall allow it, but I want his permission.
§ Mr. Derek Fatchett (Leeds, Central)I am happy at this late stage of the Session to show comradeship to one who wishes to raise such an important issue.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerI shall allow the Minister to reply and I hope that he will be as brief as possible.
§ 2.1 pm
§ The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Nicholas Ridley)Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. At 8.56 this morning the 7.45 Leeds-to-Edinburgh high speed train became derailed near Tyne yard signal box south of Newcastle. Initial reports are that, of the 200 passengers on the train, 26 have been injured. It is believed, however, that none of the injuries are serious. I should like to express my sympathy to everyone.
The high-speed train, which is formed of eight passenger coaches with a power car at each end, was travelling over the 40 mph slow line when the derailment occurred. Six of the passenger coaches and one power car are derailed; one of the coaches is on its side and another is down an embankment. It is too early to be able to give any indication of the cause of the derailment.
I understand that there was considerable damage to signalling equipment and that there will be delays to trains on the east coast main line. I shall ask the railway inspectorate to institute an inquiry into this accident.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerMr. Derek Fatchett.
§ Mr. FatchettI am happy to allow time on that issue. Without taking over the Chair's responsibility, I do not know whether my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston-upon-Hull, East (Mr. Prescott) wants to comment, but I shall happily give way.
§ Mr. John Prescott (Kingston-upon-Hull, East)Further to the point of order. The House will be extremely grateful to my hon. Friend for having been so generous under the circumstances. I do not want to delay the House and I am sure that we are all pleased that we are not hearing an announcement similar to the one we heard about the previous rail incident where there were deaths and injuries. We wish the Secretary of State well with his inquiry into this incident.
I have written to the Secretary of State today—not knowing about this announcement—expressing my grave anxiety about the number and causes of derailments. I hope that he will consider seriously the report of the railway inspector who studies these matters, and the amount of money being spent on track maintenance.