HC Deb 11 March 2003 vol 401 cc121-2W
Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many stations have achieved safer station status; and how many will achieve safer station status in each of the next three years. [102168]

Mr.Jamieson

There are currently 170 stations accredited under the Secure Stations Scheme. The Scheme is voluntary and the Department has not set any targets for the number of stations to be accredited under the Scheme. It is up to the Train Operating Companies to decide which of their stations to put through the Scheme's accreditation process.

Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what Strategic Rail Authority resources are available for station improvements, including safety improvements, in each of the next five years. [102169]

Mr.Jamieson

The Authority's Strategic Plan, a copy of which is in the House Library, explains their current investment priorities in detail.

Mr.Norman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the adequacy of data collection concerning perceptions of passenger safety on the railways. [102227]

Mr.Jamieson

The Strategic Rail Authority's twice yearly "National Passenger Survey" includes questions on passengers' perceptions of safety. The survey is carried out to an approved methodology in accordance with Market Research Society codes of conduct.

Mr.Norman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has conducted into the extent to which environmental factors, with particular reference to(a) litter on tracks and (b) graffiti in stations, influence perceptions of safety and customer satisfaction among users of the railways. [102229]

Mr.Jamieson

The National Passenger Survey measures for each train operating company the most important areas of concern for passengers. Details of the results of the surveys are contained in the Strategic Rail Authority's publication, "On Track", copies of which are in the Libraries of the House.

Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who would conduct(a) an inquiry into a rail accident and (b) a criminal investigation into a criminal act on the (i) Folkestone, Dymchurch and Hythe Railway, (ii) Bluebell Railway, (iii) Didcot Railway, (iv) Heritage Railway and (v) Rail Mail under the provisions of the Railways and Transport Safety Bill. [102393]

Mr.Jamieson

The provisions of the Railways and Transport Safety Bill will create an independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch that will investigate serious railway accidents and which may investigate a non-serious railway accident or railway incident on (i)-(v) above.

An investigation into a general criminal act on (i)-(iv) above would normally be undertaken by the Home Office police, rather than the BTP. An investigation in to a general criminal act on (v) would normally be undertaken by the BTP if it took place on the national rail network.

Health and safety related criminal acts would be investigated by the Health and Safety Executive in respect of (i)-(v).