HC Deb 14 February 1969 vol 777 cc397-8W
Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of Transport what was the number of incidents during each of the past three years involving interference or obstruction on railway tracks and consequent danger to railway personnel and passengers.

Mr. Marsh

The number of incidents reported to me by the Railways Board involving malicious interference or obstruction on railway tracks and consequent danger to railway personnel and passengers was 95 in 1966, 100 in 1967 and 90 (provisional) in 1968. All these incidents involved moving trains and were classified as train accidents.

Incidents not actually involving trains are not included, as the railways are not statutorily obliged to report such occurrences unless an accident is caused.

Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to British Railways to provide better security arrangements so as to reduce the number of offences by juveniles and adults involving interference or obstruction on railway tracks and consequent danger to railway personnel and passengers.

Mr. Marsh

No. The statutory responsibility for safety of operation rests with the Railways Board.

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