HL Deb 29 March 2001 vol 624 cc55-6WA
Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further the Written Answer by Lord Macdonald of Tradeston on 15 February (WA 57), whether, in view of the potential risk to the health and safety of passengers caused by trains stuck between stations for lengthy periods of time, they will ask London Underground to keep henceforth records of lengthy delays to trains between stations. [HL1350]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

I understand that London Underground are now keeping records of trains held between stations for lengthy periods of time. In addition, they are undertaking a further study of the health and safety risks to passengers on such trains.

Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Macdonald of Tradeston on 15 February (WA 57), whether they will seek advice from the Health & Safety Executive about dangers to passengers caused by lengthy delays to trains stuck between stations especially at peak hours in the summer. [HL1351]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

Safety on the Underground is a matter of constant communication between government, London Underground (LUL) the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Her Majesty's Rail Inspectorate (HMRI). I am informed by HMRI that they are reviewing London Underground's procedures for handling incidents which involve lengthy delays to trains between stations, and they will recommend whatever actions are appropriate to safeguard the well-being of passengers and LUL personnel. This is consistent with LUL's policy of constant improvement in safety standards. In addition, LUL are implementing a number of recommendations from their inquiry into the Central Line incident last September, and this should reduce the length of time such incidents last. HSE are monitoring LUL's progress in mitigating this risk.