§ 7. Dr. Evan Harris(LD) (Oxford, West and Abingdon)What assessment he has made of the relative cost-effectiveness in expenditure per life saved of investment in rail safety compared with investment in road safety. [152277]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Dr. Kim Howells)Rail is a safe mode of transport, and is six times safer than travelling by car. That difference means that additional public investment in road safety measures is usually much more effective, as measured by lives saved per pound spent, than additional investment in rail safety measures such as new signalling systems. Such investment does not seem to be as effective as additional expenditure on roads.
§ Dr. HarrisIn the light of that answer, does the Minister agree that it is regrettable that there is so much pressure from the media and possibly even the public on politicians to do something about rail safety, when investing that money in road safety could save 10 times as many lives? Does he regard it as a Government responsibility to try to change the balance of the debate to make it clear that rail transport is relatively much safer and that we need to do much more in road safety to save lives?
§ Dr. HowellsYes, I agree, and we are trying to change that balance. We know, for example, that the cost of saving a life—if one can ever put a cost on such a thing—on the railways is about £10 million per life saved, whereas on the roads it is about £100,000. Small incremental improvements in road safety can indeed save many lives. It is worth reminding the House that in 2001–02, the last year for which complete figures are available, 3,431 lives were lost on the roads and 307 on the railways. If we take out from those statistics the 275 deaths that were the result of suicide or trespass and 17 other deaths, that leaves just 15 passengers and rail staff who were killed on the railways. It is therefore a very safe mode of transport, but we want it to be much safer so that it is as safe as possible. However, we recognise the validity of the hon. Gentleman's question.
§ Mr. Patrick McLoughlin(Con) (West Derbyshire)One way in which we could improve road safety that would not cost any money at all, is, if we do not keep 613 British summer time throughout the year, at least to extend its duration. Will the Minister look at that, call for investigations to be made—and not be influenced by the Secretary of State for Scotland?
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend will know that the position is not without difficulties in the north and north-west of the country, but we should keep it under review, and shall do so.