To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 7 June 2021 to Question 7907 on Trains: Hitachi, what data he holds on the number of instances in which Hitachi's Intercity Class 800 series trains were found to have failings or structural defects in three or more joints; and for what reason he has not provided that number in response to previous written parliamentary questions.
Answered on
15 June 2021
The Department does not collate information on failings in three or more joints. Train Operators are responsible for ensuring trains are fit for service as part of their safety duties. This is supported by conditions within the train supply contracts to ensure they meet required safety standards when in use.
Inspections for each train look at critical locations. If the inspection fails at any one of those points the train is immediately prevented from service. I have asked officials to contact Hitachi for this information and respond to the Hon Gentleman as soon as possible.