HL Deb 24 July 2000 vol 616 cc5-6WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there is a policy which prevents British Transport Police from attending calls from freight train drivers, such as the attack on train OZ95 on 8 June at Green Lane near Tyne Dock by 20 youths throwing bricks at the driver. [HL3451]

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)

There is no policy that would prevent the British Transport Police (BTP) from attending calls from freight train drivers.

As a port, Tyne Dock is outside the jurisdiction of the BTP and is policed by Northumbria Police. When the BTP control room received the report of the attack on the freight train they were advised that Northumbria Police were in attendance, that the culprits had fled and that no injuries or damage had occurred. At this time all BTP officers in the vicinity were attending other incidents of trespass and vandalism and it was decided that they should continue to attend their original calls. Had any BTP officers been available then they would have attended the incident at Tyne Dock.

Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether British Transport Police has a policy of only attending incidents involving attacks on freight trains after an injury or fatality is reported. [HL3452]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

The British Transport Police has no such policy.

Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the duties of British Transport Police in respect of protecting trains and railway personnel from attack. [HL3453]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

The duties of the British Transport Police, like those of any other force, are to uphold law and order, maintain the Queen's peace and protect the public and staff on the railways. Their mission statement is to keep the peace on our railways and make them safe and secure.