§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what representations he has received from(a) the Health and Safety Commission, (b) the Health and Safety Executive, (c) Railtrack, (d) train operating companies and (e) others regarding (i) trespass, (ii) vandalism and (iii) informed vandalism on railway lines; and if he will make a statement; [58197]
(2) what discussions he has had with (a) the Health and Safety Commission, (b) the Health and Safety Executive, (c) Railtrack, (d) train operating companies and (e) others regarding (i) trespass, (ii) vandalism and (iii) informed vandalism on railway lines; and if he will make a statement. [58198]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 22 June 2002]: I have been asked to reply.
The Government are pleased that all sections of the rail industry have come together in the National Route Crime Group to examine and promote ways of tackling trespass and vandalism on the railways. The group includes passenger and freight train operators, Railtrack, Railway Safety, the Health and Safety Executive, British Transport police, trade unions, infrastructure contractors, the Rail Passengers Council and the Strategic Rail Authority. The Government will continue to remain in touch with these organisations on their efforts to reduce the incidence of trespass and vandalism on the railways.