HC Deb 24 January 1985 vol 71 cc482-3W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will publish the findings of the British Rail inquiry into the accident which took place on 9 December 1984 at Rugby; and what action has been taken to prevent a recurrence of the accident involving two trains colliding on the same line;

(2) if any disciplinary action has been taken resulting from the inquiry by British Rail into the train accident that occurred on 9 December 1984 at Rugby;

(3) if he will order a public inquiry into the rail accident that took place on 9 December at Rugby; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley

The accident occurred when a British Rail engineers' train was propelled past a signal at danger on to the main line and into the path of an approaching passenger train. The driver of the passenger train was able to slow down and the collison occurred at low speed. Two passengers received minor injuries. Full details of the accident were reported to the Railway Inspectorate. Since the cause was clearly established and BR was taking the necessary action to prevent a recurrence, no formal inquiry was ordered. I have no powers to require publication of BR's internal inquiries, but a summary of the circumstances of the accident and the action taken by the board will be given in the Chief Inspecting Officer's annual report for 1984. We understant that BR has taken disciplinary action against the members of its staff held responsible for the accident.

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