§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to set up an independent inquiry into recent rail accidents and safety conditions on British Rail; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding reply 30 June 1989]: Three separate independent public inquiries have been held into the recent tragic accidents at Clapham junction, Purley and Beligrove. I am awaiting the reports, which will be published. Mr. Anthony Hidden QC, who is conducting the Clapham junction inquiry, is considering whether any broader management lessons need to be learnt and will take into account any relevant evidence from the other two inquiries.