HC Deb 14 February 1996 vol 271 cc572-3W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all reported derailments in 1994–95 and 1995–96 to the latest available date. [15187]

Mr. Watts

Statistics showing all derailments which operators are required to report under the Railways (Notice of Accidents) Order 1986 are shown in the railway inspectorate's annual report on the safety record of the railways in Great Britain which is published by the Health and Safety Executive. A copy is held in the House of Commons Library. The number of reported train derailments in 1994–95 was:

Number
Passenger train derailments 28
Freight train derailments 121
Total 149

Figures for 1995–96 are not yet available.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the causes of derailments broken down to show(a) track quality, (b) signal failure and (c) operating staff error for (i) 1994–95 and (ii) 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [15189]

Mr. Watts

The causes of train derailments are shown in appendix 4 to the railway inspectorate's annual report on the safety record of the railways in Great Britain, published by the Health and Safety Executive. A copy is held in the House of Commons Library. The derailments due to track quality, signal failure and operating staff error in 1994–95 were:

Number
(a) Track quality 53
(b) Signal failure 1
(c) Operating staff error 53

Other causes of derailments include locomotive and rolling stock defects, traction and braking shocks and malicious damage.

Figures for 1995–96 are not yet available.