§ Mr. SnapeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many railway workers have been arrested in connection with the recent Severn tunnel railway accident;424W if he will place in the Library a copy of the evidence submitted to the British Rail inquiry; and what guidelines he has issued to the British transport police on co-operation with internal British Rail inquiries.
§ Mr. FreemanThe British Transport police (BTP) have informed me that they arrested three British Rail staff in connection with their inquiries into the Severn tunnel train accident. No charges have been made and the staff have been released on bail pending enquiries.
Publication of evidence to an internal British Rail inquiry is a matter for BR.
We are not aware of any lack of co-operation between the BTP and BR in their respective investigations into this incident. BTP are keeping HM railway inspectorate fully informed.