§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the railway inspectorate will begin its investigation into the derailment of the 22.45 hours Wemyss Bay to Glasgow train in Greenock on Saturday, 25 June; if the report of the investigation will contain recommendations concerning(a) improvements in the design and construction of electric multiple units and (b) improve safety procedures; if the report will be published; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 4 July 1994]: The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate, HMRI, started a preliminary investigation into the derailment shortly after first light on Sunday 26 June. Strathclyde police, assisted by British Transport police, were conducting a scene-of-crime investigation at that time and subsequently announced that it had become a murder inquiry. I understand that two people have now been charged in connection with the deaths. An inquiry under the Regulation of Railways Act 1871 has not been recommended by the chief inspecting officer of railways, given the cause of the accident. The holding of a fatal accident inquiry is a matter for the Lord Advocate.
The HMRI will continue to assist the police in relation to railway technical matters and is also considering what lessons may be learnt to prevent a recurrence. The crash resistance of new rolling stock has been considerably 169W improved above the standards of the train involved in the accident. I have asked the HMRI to let me know its conclusions and I will write to the hon. Member when I have received this information.