HC Deb 20 May 1997 vol 294 cc50-1W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he proposes to take to ensure that Eurotunnel implements all the recommendations in the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority report before re-starting freight services. [5]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Government's concerns about the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority report have been put to the Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) by the UK delegation. As a result the IGC has requested from Eurotunnel a detailed timetable of its programme for meeting the Safety Authority recommendations for consideration by the IGC at its next meeting on 22 May 1997.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the technical difficulties with the crossover doors in the channel tunnel have been resolved; and if he will make a statement. [7]

Ms Jackson

Since the incident of the 18 November 1996, the undersea crossover doors have been subject to an enhanced testing and maintenance regime by Eurotunnel, which will continue. This has achieved a much higher level of reliability than previously obtained. The test reports are regularly examined by the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority whose inspectors also inspect and report on maintenance and testing as part of their normal on-going duties.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority has estimated the cost to Eurotunnel of implementing the recommendations in its recent report into the channel tunnel fire. [56]

Ms Jackson

The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority made its recommendations on safety grounds and did not estimate any costs for implementation.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority has taken to ensure that Eurotunnel had full safety training and audits in place for its staff. [59]

Ms Jackson

Safety training is one of the key elements identified by the Safety Authority in Eurotunnel's proposals for the restart of HGV shuttle services. The Safety Authority will carefully examine Eurotunnel's reports on their certification of staff trained in new procedures, including the report of an independent assessor, before making any recommendation to the Intergovernmental Commission.

More generally, the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority and its specialist working groups meet regularly with Eurotunnel to review the safe operation of the Channel Tunnel. The Safety Authority also has 22 safety inspectors available from national authorities who conduct regular safety inspections and check the performance of Eurotunnel's Safety Directorate.