Clause 8 - Regulations
Railways and Transport Safety Bill
4:45 pm
Mr Don Foster (Bath, Liberal Democrat)
I am grateful to the Minister. He made it clear, as I hoped that he would, that nothing would, as a result of the establishment of the rail accident investigation branch, fetter the Secretary of State's power to call a public inquiry, perhaps on the advice of the chief inspector. That, above all, is what I hoped to hear from the Minister, and I am glad that it will be on the record.
I have a number of further questions about the future role of the Health and Safety Commission in relation to rail accidents, if we have a clause stand part debate. The Minister will be aware that the Health and Safety Commission would still have the power under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 to set up a public inquiry. However, we need not dwell on that matter, as it is not within the spirit of the amendments. I have received the clear answer that I wanted, and I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Further consideration adjourned.—[Joan Ryan.]
Adjourned accordingly at six minutes to Five o'clock till Thursday 6 February at five minutes to Nine o'clock.