§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents there have been on British Rail during 1984; how many people were killed and injured on each occasion; and what was found to be the cause of each accident.
§ Mr. RidleySo far during 1984 there have been 64 significant accidents on British Rail involving passenger trains. Significant accidents, as defined in the Department's published annual report on railway safety, are those which are actually or potentially hazardous to passengers. The accidents during 1984 have resulted in 20 deaths — 17 passengers and three railway staff — 16 serious injuries and 259 minor injuries. The causes of each accident are subject to investigation and will be covered in published reports. The total number of significant accidents in 1984 is likely to be no greater than in recent years, and considerably below the number recorded during the 1970s.