§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he plans to take to reduce the risks of infection identified in the British Transport Commission report on track pollution problems, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanRecent advice from the Health and Safety Executive's employment medical advisory service confirms that the risk of infection by material on railway tracks discharged from train toilets is slight. The railway industry advisory committee of the Health and Safety Commission, which is chaired by the chief inspecting 99W officer of railways has discussed this matter and keeps it under review. The railway inspectorate is in touch with the British Railways Board to consider whether any further measures are appropriate. I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Mr. Bowis) on 12 November at column 62.