§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what surveys have been carried out in the air purity and quality in the Severn tunnel; what system of continuous monitoring is in operation; what surveys have been carried out into the chemicals present in the deposits in the Severn tunnel; what chemicals were found and in what quantity; whether any of the chemicals and diesel fumes found to be present have been identified as a cause of cancer in humans; what was the last date on which environmental health officers carried out tests on the air and chemical content of the tunnel; what is the frequency of such environmental health tests; and if he will place in the Library copies of such reports on deposits, chemicals and air.
§ Mr. FreemanThe tunnel is equipped with a force ventilation system which gives a 5 to 12 mph wind speed throughout. The last extensive survey of air quality in the tunnel was carried out by British Rail Research, Scientific Services, in 1969. The survey report concluded that under normal running conditions no hazard existed if the fan stopped for short periods. Even under worse conditions, in which locomotives stopped in the tunnel, but with the forced ventilation running, conditions were not considered hazardous.
The Health and Safety Executive undertook a survey in 1979 which found that the level of fumes in the tunnel did not constitute a hazard. Further surveys by BR between 1978 and 1980 reached a similar conclusion. There is no continuous monitoring, but British Rail tells me that a monitoring exercise, which has been planned for some time, is due to start next month.
No hazardous chemical deposits have been found. I understand that the tunnel is drier now than at any previous time due to remedial works.
Health and safety matters which arise within the Severn tunnel are the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate which carries out periodic inspections. Environmental health officers have no jurisdiction in the tunnel.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many trains carrying various fuel oils and chemicals pass through the Severn tunnel in the opposite or same direction during the time period that passenger services are operating each week and each day; and when it is proposed to change service times and timetables so that freight does not dovetail with passenger services in the tunnel.
§ Mr. FreemanThese are operational matters for British Rail. BR's operating procedures do not allow more than one train at a time travelling in the same direction to use the Severn tunnel. No train carrying dangerous goods is permitted to be in the tunnel at the same time as a passenger train. HSE's railway inspectorate sees no need to restrict further the passage of trains conveying non-dangerous goods.