§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve safety on the railways.
§ Mr. PortilloI am obviously concerned that safety on the railways should be of the highest order. The law places upon the British Railways Board and the operators of other statutory railway undertakings an obligation to run their services safely. The railway inspectorate, which advises Ministers on railway safety matters, keeps closely in touch with the railway operators on all aspects of safety. In the light of the Fennell report, the railway inspectorate is considering whether it can improve the way in which this is done.