§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment the railway inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive has made of the safety implications of the locking of one in four carriages on trains on the Fenchurch Street and Southend line via Tilbury.
§ Mr. FreemanBritish Rail decided to lock the guard's compartment and the saloon immediately adjacent to it to safeguard passengers when an electrical fault occurred in the transformers on some trains. I understand that this is a short-term precaution pending resolution of the problem and affects only 17 coaches of the 106 units currently in service.
British Rail has taken measures to reduce possible overcrowding including the provision of additional stock from other lines. I understand that Her Majesty's railway inspectorate has kept closely in touch with British Rail about this matter since this fault developed. It is satisfied that the measures taken will have no adverse effect on safety. British Rail is seeking an early resolution to these problems and hopes to have all the coaches fully available for passenger use as soon as possible.