§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of offenders who committed vandalism causing train accidents in 1998–99 are being prosecuted; and what action he is taking to ensure that train operators and Railtrack provide adequate security. [95172]
§ Mr. HillThe Health and Safety Executive reported that in 1997–98 there were 1,098 reported railway accidents caused by malicious action, including 512 incidences of damage to the cab driver's window. The figures provided by the British Transport Police for the same year show that they dealt with 6,419 reported incidences of 'stone throwing' or 'Line of Route' offences, such as obstructing the line, of which 718 were either charged or cautioned, or no crime was found to be committed.
Private tenancies (excluding rent free) by Government Office region Thousand 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 North East 78 66 81 74 85 North West (including Merseyside) 202 202 250 262 246 Yorks & Humber 169 176 158 201 185 East Midlands 155 150 132 152 138 West Midlands 135 176 149 131 158 East 182 205 194 220 210 London 408 478 445 442 408 South East 350 353 400 320 352 South West 273 222 247 245 232 England 1,952 2,028 2,056 2,047 2,015 Notes:
- 1. Each private tenancy corresponds to a separate agreement by which a tenant or tenants rent their accommodation from their landlord.
- 2. Excludes rent free tenancies, but includes those where whole rent is met by Housing Benefit.