§ 31. Mr. Crispin Blunt (Reigate)What is his estimate of the number of Railtrack communication masts that are also being used for commercial telecommunications. [39537]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Ms Glenda Jackson)I understand from Railtrack that 300 masts, out of a total of 1,000, are used for commercial telecommunications as well as for Railtrack's own needs.
§ Mr. BluntIs the Minister aware that, nine months ago, Railtrack was able to override the objections of people in 558 Reigate and the local authority by putting up a mast and taking no notice of the requested amelioration of the mast's environmental impact? Is she further aware that, less than nine months later, the local authority has been presented with an application for an Orange mast on the site where the Railtrack mast has been erected? Does her answer indicate that Railtrack is systematically abusing its statutory authority to override the local planning process? Is it time for Railtrack to lose that statutory power to override the objections of local people?
§ Ms JacksonThere is no statutory requirement under which Railtrack must obtain planning permission, but any commercial company involved in the use of any Railtrack mast is most certainly required to obtain the necessary planning permission.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich)Will my hon. Friend have a short and fairly firm word with Railtrack to point out that, if it intends to develop, including signalling in ways in which it has not done so in the past, it must ensure that those who work for it, whether contractors or direct employees, not only have the relevant qualifications but understand the whole world of safety? There is clear evidence that Railtrack is not insisting on contractors providing proper care, either for its own work force or for those using the railway system.
§ Ms JacksonMy understanding is that there are no safety implications—nor any reduction in safety—when there is shared use of a mast. As my hon. Friend will know, there was a very critical Health and Safety Executive report on Railtrack's control of contractors. I understand that Railtrack has introduced new systems for the management of its contractors and for assuring that technical standards are met. The Health and Safety Executive is monitoring those improvements and will not hesitate to take further action to ensure that risks are properly controlled.