HC Deb 15 December 1998 vol 322 cc433-4W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 1 December 1998,Official Report, column 115, concerning rolling stock companies, what responsibility the ROSCOs have to comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive. [63413]

Ms Glenda Jackson

[holding answer 14 December 1998]: Rolling Stock Companies (ROSCOs) have a responsibility to comply with the requirements relating to them under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and its statutory provisions. The Health and Safety Executive monitors and enforces compliance with these requirements.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 1 December 1998,Official Report, column 115, concerning rolling stock companies, what responsibility the Franchising Director has to the franchisee if the HSE's requirements in respect of rolling stock change during the life of a franchise. [63412]

Ms Glenda Jackson

[holding answer 14 December 1998]: Under the terms of the Franchise Agreement there are arrangements in place for the Franchising Director to meet up to 95 per cent. of the costs falling on a train operating company for modification to rolling stock which is required to be made under any applicable law, any Government authority or any directives from Railtrack relating to safety. These directives could relate to Acts of Parliament and/or directives originating from Railway Group Standards. Railway Group Standards are rules, regulations, instructions and procedures which are produced as mandatory operational and engineering standards and all relate to safety aspects of the operation of railways and are set and enforced by Railtrack.