UK Parliament / Open data

Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill

In part, yes, but that would be covered anyway. There is no difficulty in bringing a prosecution for that kind of event. I do not want to extend the issue—many different debates need to take place this evening—but I shall give an example that worries me. One of my brothers-in-law used to run trains to Edinburgh. We used to argue that people fell from moving trains because they were drunk. So we said, ““Take the handles off the inside of the trains.”” They then used to open the windows and open the doors with the handles on the outside. We then introduced regulations to ensure that bolts were fitted so that train doors could not be opened when trains were moving. I do not know at what point not taking such action becomes gross negligence, but we have a constantly changing problem. I do not believe strongly in deterrence; I believe in it occasionally. I believe most strongly in trying to get people to set standards. If they will not set the standards themselves, they should accept the standards that are laid down by others and be encouraged to adopt them.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

454 c66 

Session

2006-07

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
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