British Transport Police

HC Deb 03 March 1994 vol 238 cc836-7W

Mr. Trotter

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the effect on the jursidiction of the British Transport police of the Railways Act 1993; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

From 1 April 1994, the British Transport police's jurisdiction in respect of British Rail, London Underground Limited and the docklands light railway will be unchanged. It appears, however, that in respect of matters soley affecting Rai1track, its powers of pursuit and investigation could be limited.

The Government regard such a limitation, which arises from a purely legal point, as undesirable and are urgently considering with BR and BTP how it might be addressed.