HC Deb 07 November 1988 vol 140 cc106-7W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration has been given by the railway inspectorate or any other part of his Department to the safety aspects of the underground ticketing system being installed on London Underground.

Mr. Portillo

The railway inspectorate has been in close touch with London Underground Ltd. about safety aspects of the new ticketing system.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice has been given to London Underground Ltd. by the railway inspectorate in the last five years about the need for contractors works(a) to be safe from fire and (b) not to obstruct fire hydrants and other safety features.

Mr. Portillo

The safety rules and contract procedures of London Underground Ltd. provide instructions for contractors on these matters. If in the course of an inspection work is seen to be causing a hazard, the inspector will take appropriate action.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the professional establishment of the railway inspectorate; and how many posts were vacant in(a) November 1987 and (b) October 1988.

Mr. Portillo

The professional establishment of the railway inspectorate is 24. There were five vacancies in November 1987 and seven in October 1988. A recent recruitment exercise has resulted in enough successful candidates declared to fill the vacancies.