§ Mr. Channonasked the Minister of Transport what steps have been taken, consequent upon his inquiries into recent railway accidents, to deal with the problem of vandalism on the railways; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI can assure the hon. Member of the Government's grave concern about the epidemic of wanton obstruction which has led to numerous incidents and to the loss of two lives in the recent rail crash near Elm Park. Government Departments are giving all the help they can to the Railways Board and other bodies concerned in dealing with this serious problem. The Railways Board, which has the immediate responsibility for preventive measures, is, I know, taking vigorous action in ways ranging from intensified police measures to the giving of special talks to schools, 121W in close collaboration with local police forces and education authorities. In addition, both the Railways Board and the London Transport Board, in Bills now before Parliament, are seeking to increase the penalties for relevant offences under the Railways Acts: and both Boards are making revised byelaws which should take effect within the next few months and will also include raised penalties for relevant offences.