HC Deb 07 November 1988 vol 140 cc107-8W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what aspect of the railway inspectorate's knowledge and experience of the modern fire protection arrangements on the Tyne and Wear metro had been applied to London Underground between the opening of the metro and the King's Cross fire.

Mr. Portillo

Aspects of the railway inspectorate's knowledge and experience of modern fire protection arrangements on home and overseas metros applied to London Underground included, among others, the need to involve the fire authority in new construction from the early design stage, the use of tunnel fans to control smoke, the use of dry mains through tunnels and the specification of materials used in new construction.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the railway inspectorate was consulted by London Underground Ltd. about the flammability of materials used in booking halls.

Mr. Portillo

The use of materials throughout the Underground is regulated by reference to London Underground's own code of practice. From time to time the railway inspectorate has been consulted about specific materials or applications.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why the objectives and targets set for British Rail and London Underground Ltd. have not to date included the reduction of accidents.

Mr. Portillo

Safety is a prime objective for British Rail and London Regional Transport. It is then for the railway operators to decide whether specific targets in terms of accident reduction are a useful means to that objective.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport further to the answer of 8 December 1987 to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, Official Report, column 121, how much time the railway inspectorate devotes to judging the standards of safety which should be incorporated in investment in London Underground Ltd.

Mr. Portillo

Where an investment proposal for London Underground Ltd. involves matters which have safety implications the railway inspectorate is consulted. It is impossible to say precisely how much time is devoted to this work.