HC Deb 03 July 1997 vol 297 c252W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the length of time before(a) the loss of a door and (b) the collision between another train and the door, referred to in paragraph 75 of the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority Report 1995–96, were reported; and what factors underlay the length of time taken. [5873]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority Report for 1995–96, paragraph 66, says that arrangements for formal reporting by Eurotunnel of incidents and accidents were concluded during the year covered by the report. These arrangements cover the detailed circumstances where Eurotunnel is required to make immediate reports, reports within 72 hours or regular daily, monthly, half yearly and annual reports.

The incident involving the loss of the emergency door from a tourist shuttle on 28 April 1995 occurred before the formal reporting arrangements were in place. The incident was reported in Eurotunnel's daily report received on the day following the incident and a detailed report was received from Eurotunnel on 2 May 1995.