§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set up a full public inquiry into the response by British Rail to an incident involving an alleged fire in a carriage attached to the 13.44 Haywards Heath to Manchester train, No. IC 5845 on 15 July; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThere is no through train between Haywards Heath and Manchester on Sundays. On 15 July, coach No. IC 5845 was used on two services, the 18.00 Manchester to Birmingham New Street and the 21.37 Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly. There is no trace of a fire occurring on that coach. I understand that BR London midland and southern regions have no record of any fires occurring on InterCity trains on Sunday 15 July. If the hon. Member can provide any further details, I will make further inquiries.