§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the recent goods train derailments at Cullompton and Hungerford on the line to the South-West; and whether he is satisfied that the speed regulations are adequate.
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§ Mr. Tom FraserDerailments of goods trains at Hungerford on 30th June and at Cullompton on 16th July have been reported by British Railways, Western Region. In each case one wagon only was derailed and no personal injuries resulted, but there were delays to other trains whilst the damage caused to the track was being repaired. Railway inquiries into the causes are still proceeding, but no conclusions are yet available. I do not intend to order a formal inquiry into either of these cases. The fixing of speed limits for various classes of train is a matter for the British Railways Board, but in neither of these cases do first indications point to excessive speed as the cause.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of recent goods train derailments, he is satisfied with the maintenance of the goods trucks in use by British Railways, in view of the need for maximum safety on the railways; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThe maintenance of goods wagons in use by British Railways is the responsibility of the British Railways Board. The position is, however, being watched closely by my Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways, who reports that one of the chief causes of derailments is the unsuitability of some of the older designs of goods wagons for current operating conditions with modern forms of traction, and that the situation should improve as the wagons concerned are withdrawn are replaced by stock of more modern design.