§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action has been taken on implementing the recommendations arising from Part 1 of Lord Cullen's public inquiry report; and when the Health and Safety commission plans to publish the six month progress report which Lord Cullen recommended. [25155]
§ Mr. JamiesonLord Cullen's final recommendation was
that a review of compliance with his recommendations be conducted on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission within six months of this report".I am informed that this review has been completed and that the Health and Safety Executive officials will be reporting on progress to the Commission in February and that they intend to publish a progress report in March. I shall arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many safety visits were conducted by the senior management of Railtrack in each month from January 2000 to November 2001. [21034]
§ Mr. JamiesonRailtrack have advised that in April 2000 the company initiated an internal programme of visits for senior managers to assist the promotion of safety tours across the business. Railtrack report that good progress has been made since initiation although monthly figures are not readily available.
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§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason he amended the Cullen Declaration on rail safety; and if he will make a statement. [23613]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe declaration by the Paddington Survivors Group was agreed in advance by all parties before signing.
§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps the Government are taking to ensure that the administrator is running Railtrack to ensure that(a) routine signal, track and other maintenance is carried out and (b) the safety standards previously required of Railtrack are maintained. [23986]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 18 December 2001]During the period of administration, the Government will continue to provide the administrator with sufficient funding to ensure the operation of the network. The terms of Railtrack's licence require it to ensure the safe operation of the network. The Health and Safety Executive is working closely with both Railtrack plc and the administrator to ensure that safety is maintained.