§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will respond to the recommendations of Lord Cullen's inquiry into the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster. [1016]
§ Mr. SpellarMy right hon. Friend responded to Part One of Lord Cullen's report in a statement issued on 19 June, the day of its publication. The statement reads
I am grateful to Lord Cullen for today's report into the causes of the Ladbroke Grove rail crash. On such a day our thoughts turn to the survivors and bereaved of that tragic accident. We cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering felt by these people and it is important that we bear their experiences in mind as we act to improve rail safety in this country.Safety is paramount and at the very heart of our policies on revitalising the railways. Our railways are safe, but we must never be complacent. Safety is a matter of continual improvement and I have asked the HSC to ensure that the recommendations are acted upon, and to report to me within six months.I now await the final part of Lord Cullen's report into the culture, management and regulation of safety on the railways. This will be a particularly valuable document which will enable us to take the further necessary measures to enhance rail safety.