§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list his Department's statutory responsibilities to overview and control the operations of British Rail trains especially those concerning their(a) safety, (b) availability of proper accommodation, (c) cleanliness and (d) punctuality.
§ Mr. FreemanThe responsibility for running a safe and efficient railway is placed by statute on British Rail. The Secretary of State has powers under the Regulation of Railways Act 1871, the Road and Rail Traffic Act 1933 317W and level crossing enactments, relating to the approval and inspection of new works and to the investigation of accidents.
The Secretary of State sets British Rail three-year objectives covering financial performance and quality of service on a non-statutory basis, and the Department monitors BR's performance on these matters.