§ 6. Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress being made with the introduction of Networker 465 rolling stock on the north Kent line.
§ Mr. FreemanI understand that nearly all the infrastructure works have been completed and that the first of the new trains will enter service during the summer. Last month Network SouthEast ordered a further 188 Networkers to complete the replacement of the Kent link rolling stock.
§ Mr. ArnoldMy hon. Friend will know that people in north Kent welcome the arrival of those carriages, especially as we have had to put up with cattle truck conditions for many years. They note that deliveries of Networker trains are now taking place, and bear in mind the fact that at the last election they were told that they had not even been ordered.
§ Mr. FreemanI assure my hon. Friend that the Government said earlier in the year that when British Rail had completed its corporate plan preparations, it would consider whether it could place an order, and it did so. Conservative Members are delighted that it was able to do so within the funds provided by the Secretary of State for Transport.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyIs it true that the Secretary of State received a visit from the chairman of British Rail, who asked for a great deal more investment in rolling stock, and said that that was only one of the orders which are urgently required not only throughout the south-east, but throughout the railway system?
§ Mr. FreemanMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular meetings with the chairman of British Rail while he is setting out his plans for the next 10 years. During this year's public expenditure survey discussions, I am sure that the chairman will be outlining what he sees as the needs for the next 10 years.
§ Mr. DunnThe Minister's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesham (Mr. Arnold) will be welcomed by 7 the people of Dartford, especially as they have had to suffer inadequate, elderly rolling stock for years—rolling stock so old that the graffiti says "Down with Attlee."
§ Mr. FreemanI am grateful to my hon. Friend. I have visited Dartford station in his constituency and have seen the condition of some of the railway carriages and power units. My hon. Friend will know that the new Networkers will be of great benefit to all constituencies on the north Kent line.
§ Dr. Kim Howellsrose—
§ Madam SpeakerWe are dealing with north Kent, Dr. Howells.
§ Dr. HowellsYes, I know. Will the Minister ensure that rolling stock coming on to the line in north Kent has safer door locks than the rolling stock on 125s and other high-speed trains? Will he review the fact that it seems that British Rail and the Health and Safety Executive are backtracking on previous cover-ups on deaths which occurred as a result of those faulty locks?
§ Mr. FreemanThe Health and Safety Executive is not backtracking or trying to cover up anything. In the past year it has carried out a detailed inquiry into the cause of death following falls from trains and I understand that it is to hold a press conference on Wednesday to outline its conclusions. I know that when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport receives the review by the Health and Safety Commission he will express his own views. That will be later in the summer. I am pleased that the executive is coming forward with clear conclusions, which will be unveiled on Wednesday.