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Rail Transfer Equipment

Volume 620: debated on Monday 15 January 2001

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asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Ministry of Defence is experiencing any difficulties with the rail transfer equipment manufactured by Klaus; and, if so, what; and [HL146]

Whether the Ministry of Defence has experienced any serious accidents with the rail transfer equipment manufactured by Klaus; and, if so, in what circumstances. [HL147]

The rail transfer equipment (RTE) manufactured by Klaus has been in service for some 10 years and a small number of trailers have shown signs of distortion within the main chassis. As a result, some trailers have been removed from service and a regular inspection programme has been introduced for the remaining trailers. A post design services (PDS) contract has been let to investigate the problem and develop potential design solutions.Our records show that there has been only one serious incident involving Klaus RTE. This occurred in June 1999 during a training exercise in Poland when a combination of factors led to the equipment locking up while being operated. During action to recover the situation, the RTE trailer overbalanced and fell onto a rail wagon. No personnel sustained any injuries. The incident has been fully investigated and further work is being undertaken to examine certain design and operating aspects of the equipment. Operator training has also been reviewed and it is now mandatory that a training course is completed at the Defence School of Transport before personnel are allowed to operate the equipment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 29 November (

WA 133), in which respects the rules of engagement for troops operating in Sierra Leone differ from those used in Northern Ireland. [HL263]

In accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, it is not our policy to release details of the Rules of Engagement for specific operations since this may adversely affect the effectiveness and capabilities of our forces in future operations.