THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will request British Railways to give appropriate local authorities a full report in cases where rolling stock, belonging to British Railways, breaks through the gates of level crossings.]
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMNo, my Lords Her Majesty's Government cannot see that this arrangement would be of general benefit. individual local authorities may always approach British Railways for information on such incidents.
THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, has the noble Lord ever seen the information which is supplied by British Railways to local authorities? Is he aware that sometimes it consists of only two sentences? If a railway engine or rolling stock goes on to a public road, is not this a matter of general concern which should be examined either in conjunction with the local authority or by an authority outwith the railway authority?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, this is a difficult situation. Where nothing has happened, a short reply is perhaps all that is necessary. In 1969, 64 accidents of this type took place at public level crossings. None resulted in accidents to road users, and a short reply for a local authority—which can always return for further information—is, I suggest, all that is necessary.
THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, will the noble Lord undertake that if the local authority return for further information the full report will be put at their disposal?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, I cannot make that undertaking, but I am certain that the Railways Board and my right honourable friend the Minister have noted what the noble Earl has said.