§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what spending criteria have been laid down for British Rail in respect of signalling and safety; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloBritish Rail's duty is to ensure that its equipment and procedures meet high standards of safety. Following a review of the railway inspectorate in 1988 I have asked British Rail to ensure that safety is explicitly covered in all investment cases that come to Ministers for consideration. In deciding on the best way of meeting safety requirements, British Rail has to apply the normal investment tests to ensure that the preferred option represents the best possible value for money.