§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps are being taken to strengthen the links between the British Transport police and other emergency services in London in accordance with recommendation 28 of the Fennell report;
(2) what steps are being taken to review the performance and training of British Transport police officers in accordance with recommendations 99 and 108 of the Fennell report.
§ Mr. PortilloI understand that the chief constable of the British Transport police has submitted to the police committee a report of the action he has taken in the light of the Fennell report. I expect to have the committee's views shortly.
§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has made to the board of London Regional Transport or London Underground Limited to improve enforcement of the smoking prohibition on the London Underground in accordance with recommendation 101 of the Fennell report.
§ Mr. PortilloThe enforcement of the smoking prohibition on the Underground is the responsibility of London Underground Ltd. and the British Transport police. London Regional Transport in its response to the Fennell report, a copy of which is available in the Library, has accepted recommendation 101. British Transport police officers have been instructed to enforce the smoking prohibition and are instituting a campaign to secure prosecution of smoking offences using video recording equipment to identity offenders. I understand that the British Transport police are discussing the criteria for prosecutions with the Crown prosecution service.