§ Mr. Bostonasked the Minister of Transport (1) what steps have been taken to minimise the risk of further accidents since the derailment near Sittingbourne on 27th July, 1966; and whether any further steps are envisaged as a result of the report of the inquiry into that accident, published on 4th April, 1967;
(2) if she will give an assurance that all possible steps either have been taken or will be taken to minimise the danger of further accidents since the freight train derailment near Sittingbourne on 27th July, 1966.
§ Mrs. CastleThe safety of operation of the railways is the responsibility of the British Railways Board. It tells me, however, that after the accident at Sittingbourne the most stringent instructions242W were issued and special attention is being paid in driving training to the need for strict observance of speed limits. Regular spot checks are being carried out by a variety of methods to ensure that the limits laid down are not exceeded. I consider that these steps are appropriate in the circumstances.
The Board is considering, as a matter of urgency, how best it can implement the points drawn to their attention in the Report of the Inspecting Officer who inquired into the accident, and I have no doubt that it will study these with care.