To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he is taking to reduce the amount of cable theft on the railways; (130397)

The British Transport Police are well aware of the seriousness of cable theft and, working with Network Rail, have initiated a wide range of measures to address the problem.

The effects of cable theft on the railways is an operational matter for Network Rail, as the owner and operator of the national rail network. My hon. Friend may wish to contact Network Rail’s Chief Executive at the following address for a response to her question.

John Armitt

Chief Executive

Network Rail

40 Melton Street

London NW1 2EE