Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport how many of the 206 derailments of freight trains in the first nine months of 1967 took place on lines on concrete sleepers; and what percentage of the total route mileage of British Railways has concrete sleepers.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe only figures readily available relate to the 109 derailments of four-wheeled freight vehicles, 12 of which I understand from the Railways Board occurred on lines laid on concrete sleepers. 13.5 per cent. of the total track mileage has concrete sleepers.
Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport what explanation she has sought and obtained from British Railways regarding the substantial increase in the number of freight train derailments.
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§ Mr. CarmichaelThe Chief Inspecting Officer of railways has had discussions with the Railways Board on the reasons for the trend in freight train derailments which has become apparent in recent years. The results of these discussions are reflected in paragraphs 12–15 and particularly 25–28 of his Report on the Safety Record of the railways in 1966 which was published on 31st October last. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.