§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to require that 179W trains carrying hazardous materials are not permitted to pass through tunnels in excess of 100 m in length at the same time as passenger trains; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellNo. This would place an unwarranted restriction on the movement of hazardous goods by rail, which has a good safety record in this country. The inspector inquiring into the derailment and subsequent fire in Summit tunnel last December is, however, examining the possible need for more control of the movement of hazardous goods trains through tunnels and this question will be addressed in his published report. British Rail already regulates trains passing through the Severn tunnel so as to ensure that passenger trains are not in the tunnel at the same time as trains conveying hazardous goods.