FALLS FROM PASSENGER TRAINS

HL Deb 16 July 1991 vol 531 cc5-6WA

Lord Graham of Edmonton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consider meeting a deputation of representatives of those who have lost their lives as a result of train doors unexpectedly opening while the train is in motion; and

Whether they will instigate a wide-ranging enquiry into the series of accidents resulting from train doors swinging open unexpectedly on moving trains.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

With the agreement of my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport, the Health and Safety Commission announced on 3rd May that HM Railway Inspectorate, and other specialist resources within the Health and Safety Executive, will undertake an investigation into the pattern of falls from passenger trains and whether, or the extent to which, they could be attributable to the design of doors or locks. The results of the investigation, which is now under way, will be published.

The HSE will consider any evidence made available to it as part of its investigation. The Government would be pleased to meet a deputation but believes that this would be more helpful to representatives of those who have lost their lives if this occurred after it has received the report of the HSE investigation.