§ 3.5 p.m.
§ Lord Underhill asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What reports they have received from the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority on the commissioning and completion by Eurotunnel of the essential safety tests proposed in Annex C of the authority's March 1990 report Non-segregation of drivers and passengers from their vehicles.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)My Lords, construction and operation of the Channel Tunnel are supervised by an intergovernmental commission on behalf of the UK and French Governments. I understand that although safety authority reports have yet to be received, tests of the shuttle wagon's smoke extraction and purging systems during loading have been carried out. Eurotunnel plans to undertake fire detection and suppression tests in the next few months. Other tests, studies and analyses will be undertaken as design and construction progress and realistic test conditions become available.
§ Lord UnderhillMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. But does he appreciate that the report of the safety authority to the intergovernmental commission was published as far back as March 1990? Is there any reason why the report of the tests has not already been submitted? Will the Minister give the House an assurance that the tests have been carried out and that the report will be widely published? Many people such as myself who were in favour of the Channel Tunnel project have been concerned about segregation.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, as I indicated in my original Answer, tests have been carried out. Further tests will need to be carried out. As the noble Lord said, the safety authority has published one annual report and will soon publish another. I can assure the House that all the considerations that the safety authority lists will need to be taken into account.
§ Lord UnderhillMy Lords, I apologise for rising again. However, does that mean that certain matters are proceeding now, even though these essential tests have not been completed?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, the tests are an ongoing matter. Further tests are required and they will have to be carried out.
§ Lord TeviotMy Lords, as regards the segregation of passengers, I believe it is much better that people accompany their vehicles. The Swiss have followed that policy for a long time, and they are known for their safety consciousness.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, the segregation of passengers has been extensively debated. During debates on the Bill both Houses accepted that non-segregation would have to be further considered by the safety authority as design developed, and that is what is happening.
§ Viscount CrossMy Lords, in view of the fact that concern has been expressed both in and outside the House on non-segregation, will my noble friend consider segregation for the first year of the operation of the Channel Tunnel and then review the situation?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraNo, my Lords.