§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will call for a report from the Health and Safety Executive on the discharge of chemicals by British Rail on to private land in Salisbury on 5 and 6 March; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloOn 6 March, BR staff applied the locally stored pesticides to brambles. Shunting staff considered the brambles to be a safety hazard. Subsequently, the chemicals were spread by the wind on to some nearby private properties causing damage to plants, grass and herbage. The environmental health officer wrote to all households in the vicinity warning them not to eat any produce from the affected gardens. I understand the two herbicides involved, Atlacide and Borocil, are MAFF approved products, but their effects could persist for some time.
British Rail has accepted full responsibility for the incident and is, I understand, in touch with local people to discuss compensation. An officer of the railway inspectorate is investigating the matter and will decide whether any further action is necessary.