§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent reports he has received of design faults leading to safety problems in the construction and delivery of the Networker trains for the north Kent lines. [36032]
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 8 July 1996]: Prescribed equipment failures on rolling stock are statutorily reportable where the incident occurs or is discovered on running lines. Earlier this year a coupling failure occurred on a Networker train which was undergoing maintenance in a works depot. The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate is also aware of a number of brake disc failures. HSE has investigated these incidents and is satisfied that suitable measures are in place to maintain safety standards.