§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of a fire aboard a semi-open wagon of a freight train travelling through the channel tunnel; and what assessment he has made of the reduction in the risk to public safety from the introduction of enclosed wagons. [38593]
§ Mr. WattsAn assessment of the likely frequency and effects of a fire on board a semi-open heavy goods vehicle shuttle train formed part of Eurotunnel's formal application for an operating certificate for this service. The intergovernmental commission, having received advice from the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority and from the Maitre d'Oeuvre, independent project managers and advisers to the commission, granted the operating certificate on 14 May 1994.
The Intergovernmental Commission has not been asked to examine any further risk assessments resulting from the use of enclosed wagons on HGV shuttle trains.
16W
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library the results of the tests relating to the evacuation of trains travelling through the channel tunnel. [38592]
§ Mr. WattsTests relating to the evacuation of trains in the channel tunnel have been carried out by the operator, Eurotunnel. The methodology and conclusions of these tests were examined and found acceptable by the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority. Publication is a matter for the operator.