§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the railway accident involving a train carrying nuclear material at Temple Mills on the evening of 18 May; what steps he is taking to avoid its reccurrence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloA locomotive hauling a wagon which contained a nuclear flask overturned after the driver had passed a shunting signal which was showing no aspect. The signal should have been showing a red (danger) aspect but its light bulb had been damaged by vandals. The incident occurred at a low speed and the wagon holding the nuclear material was not derailed. Health physicists from the CEGB Bradwell nuclear power station examined the flask and confirmed that there had been no leakage and no contamination. British Rail has investigated the incident, established the cause and has taken appropriate steps.
The incidence of vandalsim is to be deplored. I understand that there was no previous record of malicious damage to the signal in question which controlled the passage of trains within a siding. If a signal on a running line is damaged to the extent that it shows no aspect, it is detected and the previous signal would automatically revert to danger. British Rail is fully aware of the need to safeguard against such interference but it cannot totally prevent trespass.