asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied with the safety aspects of the carriage of chemicals, petroleum and other dangerous substances by rail; and if he will make a statement.

The carriage of dangerous substances by British Rail conforms with the regulations prescribed under the international convention concerning the carriage of goods by rail, to which we and other European Governments are signatories. These regulations and the system for revising them have proved satisfactory, but we and other Governments will be considering whether there is anything to be learned from the recent accident at Mississauga in Canada.