To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet with the chairman of British Rail to discuss the safety of unmanned, no-barrier crossings on provincial lines.

The installation and operation of all unmanned level crossings on public roads must meet stringent safety criteria laid down by the railway inspectorate. The inspectorate liaises closely with British Rail and the appropriate local authorities in all matters of crossing safety. There is the opportunity for discussion of any safety issue with the chairman of British Rail either at our regular meetings or at specific meetings, where necessary.