§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will request the Health and Safety Executive to obtain and publish a report on the responsibilities, training and employment and rules for train crews, with particular reference to safety, before further legislation relating to changes in the operation of railways is introduced.
§ Mr. FreemanWe are asking the Health and Safety Commission to arrange for a study of the safety implications of the Government's proposals for the privatisation of British Rail and to make detailed recommendations. This study will look at all safety-related issues, including the training and certification of train crews.
§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the approximate proportion of passenger train miles in the last available year where receipts were equal to, or exceeded, the costs that can be ascribed to the total transport service to the passengers.
§ Mr. FreemanIn 1991–92 receipts excluding grant exceeded operating costs only for InterCity among British Rail's three passenger businesses. InterCity was responsible for 22 per cent. of British Rail's total loaded passenger train miles.