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Dept of Transport;Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the arrangements in place currently for claims handling in respect of claims against operators of rail services, with particular reference to the experiences of those persons submitting claims arising out of the Rickerscote rail crash at Stafford on 8 March 1996. [2862] Ms Glenda Jackson: The arrangements for claims handling are governed by the Claims Allocation and handling Agreement (CHHA), which is currently being reviewed by the Rail Industry Disputes Resolution Committee--a committee of industry representatives with an independent Chairman. Their proposals for changes to the Agreement will be submitted to the Rail Regulator for approval. The Rail Regulator has initiated a separate review of third party liability insurance in relation to "privately owned rail vehicles" (defined as ones which are both owned by a company outside the licensing regime of the Railways Act 1993 and which are operated without the benefit of a lease or other agreement which transfers liability for the vehicle to a licensed train operator). He believes that it is in the interests of both the rail industry and third parties that a practical solution is found to the third party liability issues surrounding such vehicles. I understand the Rail Regulator intends to publish a consultation document later this year.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

2862; 295 c522W

Session

1997-98

Subjects

Compensation Liability Railways Regulation