§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information has been made available to his Department by British Rail on the content of the containers on the train involved in the derailment accident at Maidstone East station on 6 September; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of the investigation into the accident.
§ Mr. FreemanThe train involved in the accident was formed entirely of air-braked ferry wagons. The first was a bogie van containing chipboard, the following six wagons were carrying metal products. The remaining eight wagons were a mix of four-wheel flats and bogie vans, all of which were empty.
Her Majesty's railway inspectorate is continuing its investigation into the accident. I understand that the British Transport police has instituted criminal proceedings. The hearing commenced on 15 October at Maidstone magistrates court.