§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made as to the existing integrity of the safety regime operating in the channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 2 February 1995]Under the terms of the treaty of Canterbury the channel tunnel intergovernmental commission takes decisions in the name of the two Governments for the implementation of the concession.
The channel tunnel safety authority is established under the treaty to advise and assist the commission on all matters concerning safety in the construction and operation of the tunnel. It ensures that safety measures and practices applicable to the tunnel comply with national and international laws.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects that agreement will be reached clarifying the respective responsibilities for the enforcement of channel tunnel safety measures between the French authorities, the channel tunnel safety authority and Britain's Health and Safety Executive; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will place in the Library the proposals of the Health and Safety Executive for the future division of responsibility for safety in the channel tunnel between the French authorities, the channel tunnel safety authority and Britain's Health and Safety Executive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Watts[holding answers 2 February 1995]The channel tunnel safety authority is preparing advice for the intergovernmental commission. Formal agreement between the United Kingdom and French authorities will be reached in due course. The Health and Safety Executive works in close co-operation with the United Kingdom delegation to the safety authority.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what considerations have so far led the channel tunnel safety authority not to exercise its power to make regulations and appoint inspectors; and if he will make a statement;
196W(2) when inspectors will be appointed by the channel tunnel safety authority.
§ Mr. Watts[holding answers 2 February and 3 February 1995]The channel tunnel safety authority does not have power to make regulations. It has powers to authorise experts to observe and inspect Eurotunnel's activities and exercises those powers as it considers appropriate.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he has taken with the French authorities and Eurotunnel to meet the concerns about the responsibility and jurisdiction for safety in the channel tunnel as expressed by the Health and Safety Executive to the Employment Committee in November 1994; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 2 February 1995]These matters are under continuing discussion within the channel tunnel intergovernmental commission.