asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many personnel in the employ of British Railways were assaulted during the course of their employment in the year 1971; how this compares with previous years; and if he will give a general direction to the Railways Board to deal with the problem.

261 employees of British Railways were assaulted on duty in 1971, compared with 197 in 1970. Information for earlier years is not available. A general direction would be inappropriate.