Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 February 2002. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Monday, 25 February 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, what action his Department is taking to ensure that rail safety is not compromised by asylum-seekers entering the UK through the Channel Tunnel.

Answer: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action his Department is taking to ensure that rail safety is not compromised by asylum seekers entering the UK through the channel tunnel. [36610] Mr. Jamieson: The safety of the channel tunnel system is the responsibility of Eurotunnel, overseen by the Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission with the advice and assistance of the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority. The Safety Authority regularly receives reports from Eurotunnel on the activity of asylum seekers, and makes reports to the Intergovernmental Commission on the changing situation and on Eurotunnel's preventive measures. It keeps the position under regular review. The safety authority remains satisfied that Eurotunnel has taken reasonably practicable measures to ensure the safety of the channel tunnel system, including the safety of passengers and crew.

Secondary information