Written question asked by Gwyneth Dunwoody (Labour) on Monday, 23 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 May 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 May 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will establish a common standard of training through the Rail Industry Training Board for all personnel in the train operating companies, Railtrack and companies proving personnel with access to the railway; and if he will ensure that an independent audit of such trianing is carried out on a regular basis.

Answer: Mrs. Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will establish a common standard of training through the Rail Industry Training Board for all personnel in the train operating companies, Railtrack and companies providing personnel with access to the railway; and if he will ensure that an independent audit of such training is carried out on a regular basis. [158825] Mr. Hill: Late last year a Joint SRA/DfEE Working Group was established to look at the current and future skills needs of the rail industry. The Joint Working Group recently published an 18-Point Action Plan which provides a strategic approach to recruitment, training, assessment and competence of key staff. The Plan is being taken forward and monitored by the high level Rail Industry Group, chaired by Sir Alastair Morton, which had also identified the need for action and had set up its own cross-industry group to tackle the issues. Initial outcomes of the various initiatives are expected to be seen in the autumn.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 367 c633W; 158825
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Crew Railways Monitoring Standards Training Train operating companies
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk