HC Deb 20 March 2002 vol 382 cc349-50W
Dr. Pugh

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what information

UK TENS allocations
euro million
1997 award 1998 award 1999 award 2000 award 2001 award Total
Rail projects
Channel tunnel rail link 24.000 25.000 29.500 30.000 15.000 123.500
West coast main line 9.000 10.000 13.000 16.000 7.000 55.000
Felixstowe to Nuneaton upgrade study and works — — — — 1.000 1.000
Trans-Pennine and north Wales—improved links to Manchester airport — — — — 1.500 1.500
Improved rail links to Stansted airport study — — — — 1.000 1.000
Kings Cross—Heathrow airport new rail links — — — — 1.000 1.000
Cross London routes study — — — — 1.000 1.000

the DTLR holds on the fault and repair reporting procedures in place for the various grades of rail track; [44357]

(2) what information the DTLR holds on the inspection procedures currently followed for the various grades of rail track. [44356]

Mr. Jamieson

These are operational matters for Railtrack plc in Railway Administration, which remains subject to regulation by the Health and Safety Executive in respect of health and safety; and by the Rail Regulator in respect of its network operation, maintenance and renewal practices.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the Government"s responsibilities are with regard to ensuring rail track safety; and if he will make a statement. [44604]

Mr. Jamieson

Railtrack plc (in Railway Administration), as the infrastructure dutyholder, has responsibility for ensuring track safety. The Health and Safety Executive"s Railway Inspectorate secures compliance with health and safety legislation. Railtrack"s network licence, issued by the Office of the Rail Regulator, requires it to use best practice in its maintenance of track safety on the network.