§ Mr. BeardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure adequate standards of railway inspection, maintenance and investment to take account of the findings of Railtrack's inquiry into the derailment at Sidcup station in February. [10233]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonRailtrack plc is responsible for inspecting and maintaining its railway infrastructure. It has prepared and had accepted by the Health and Safety Executive a railway safety case, in accordance with the Railways (Safety Case) Regulations 1994. As part of its commitment to its RSC, Railtrack plc has undertaken to comply with Railway Industry Group standards which include standards for inspection and maintenance. HSE'S railway inspectorate monitors Railtrack plc's compliance with Its accepted RSC and enforces health and safety legislation.
The HSE is aware of Railtrack plc's internal inquiry into the derailment near Bexley station in February. HSE'S own independent technical investigation into the cause of the incident is continuing and its findings will be made public by the HSE in due course.