HC Deb 14 March 1994 vol 239 cc509-10W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has received from British Rail on the safety of freight wagon brakes.

Mr. Freeman

I understand from the Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate that freight wagon brakes are subject to planned preventative maintenance, visually examined at regular intervals, and tested at each change in the make-up of a train.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss the safety of brakes on BR rolling stock;

(2) if he will discuss with the chairman of British Rail the safety of simplified braking systems on freight wagons.

Mr. Freeman

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular meetings with the chairman during which various railway safety matters are discussed. I understand from the Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate that it is continuing its discussions with British rail on these matters.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will forbid the introduction of European braking systems on British Rail rolling stock until they have received clearance from the Chief Inspecting Office of Railways.

Mr. Freeman

The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate advise me on matters of railway safety. The inspectorate is continuing its inquiries into the proposed changes to a simplified brake testing system on certain freight wagons. It has requested both statistical and technical information from British Rail—Trainload Freight, in order to give detailed consideration to the proposal.