HC Deb 07 February 1996 vol 271 cc271-2W
Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has conducted into the likely effects of rail privatisation on safety within the railway system; and if he will make a statement on the results. [13770]

Mr. Watts

The independent Health and Safety Commission was asked in 1992 to examine in detail the implications for safety of the Government's privatisation proposals. We have implemented in full the Commission's recommendations for a new regulatory and safety management system.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that safety within the railway system will not deteriorate after privatisation. [13771]

Mr. Watts

We have implemented in full the independent Health and Safety Commission's recommendations for ensuring safety. The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate will continue its monitoring and investigation to see that standards are maintained and, where necessary, improved.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much money is being spent by his Department on improving safety within the railway system. [13786]

Mr. Watts

Safety expenditure by the railways is not identified separately as it is an integral part of expenditure which has other benefits, including maintenance and renewal.

Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what extent, prior to the completion of the franchising of passenger rail services on the great western, south-west and London, Tilbury and Southend lines, the Health and Safety Executive has been consulted on arrangements existing between the franchisees and Railtrack regarding the prevention of trespass on running lines; and what conclusions were reached by the Health and Safety Executive in each case. [13933]

Mr. Watts

The Railways (Safety Case) Regulations 1994, which are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, require railway operators to demonstrate that they have effective arrangements in place to control health and safety risks and to co-operate with each other to facilitate compliance. Railway safety cases have to be accepted by the infrastructure controller, in this case Railtrack, or by the Health and Safety Executive.

Railtrack's safety case has been accepted by the HSE, and Railtrack has in turn accepted the safety cases for the great western, south-west, and London, Tilbury and Southend train operators. These safety cases set out in some detail the arrangements for co-operation and management of the interfaces between operators.