§ Mr. WolfsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now publish the Health and Safety Executive inspector's report on the collision near Cowden, Kent on 15 October 1994. [26750]
§ Mr. WattsThe inspector's report into the rail accident at Cowden, Kent has been published today. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.
The inspector is making his report in two parts. The first part, which is published today, addresses the adequacy of the safety mechanisms and procedures on the line and has been called for in advance of the coroner's 329W inquest in order to avoid delaying publication of the conclusions that are not dependent on the outcome of the inquest. The second part will address the question of who was driving the train at the time and will take account of the additional forensic evidence to be given at the inquest. This will be published by HSE after the conclusion of the inquest.
British Rail and Railtrack will consider all the recommendations carefully.