§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport why, pursuant to his answer of 27 October, his Department's review of the railway inspectorate of April 1987 states in paragraph 6–22 that as a matter of policy the inspectorate has deliberately refrained from making any preventative checks on railway maintenance, whether of operating equipment or permanent way; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloParagraph 6.22 of the review report went on to recommend that inspections under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act should include
checks as to whether track and equipment have been maintained adequately as a matter of routine".This is receiving careful consideration, along with the other recommendations in the report.