An MP is demanding to know more about claims in a new report that training for train drivers has been "cut to the bone".

Hastings MP Michael Foster is disturbed by the controversial document, written by Laurie Holden, the drivers' health and safety representative at Charing Cross station in London.

It has been released following the Paddington rail disaster and the crash between two trains at Lewes.

Mr Holden accuses Connex South Eastern, which runs the Hastings to Tunbridge Wells route, of slashing training for new drivers from 390 hours to 220.

He also alleges that eight out of ten new drivers have been involved in safety-related incidents.

The report now been passed to the Health and Safety Executive's chief inspector of railways, Vic Coleman, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, and to Lord Cullen, who is heading the public inquiry into the Paddington rail disaster.

Connex South Eastern has condemned the report, saying its training meets industry requirements.

But Mr Foster has now written to the company demanding more information.

He said: "They deny what is being claimed, but that is not good enough.

"They say it is wrong, but this report has produced some very serious findings and the public need more assurances."

Mr Holden said: "Connex South Eastern has cut training to the bone, in some areas it is non-existent.

"Local managers have accepted that eight per cent of new drivers have been involved in safety-related incidents within six months of their final assessment.

"The trainees I've met are very capable, intelligent people. But if Connex refuses to give them a proper period of training, then it is producing a timebomb ready to go off at any moment."

Commuter group, The Rail Users Consultative Committee, has described the findings as 'of great concern'.

Wendy Tom, chairman of the RUCC, said: "When we travel on trains we want to be assured that the driver has had the maximum training available, so any cut in training is very worrying.

"Presently each company decides individually on training. We feel the best way of ensuring safety is to have a nationally set standard."

But Connex South Eastern said it had not cut training

and that the report contained 'spurious and non-valid claims'.

A spokesman said: "Our training programme is fully safety-validated and complies with industry standards.

"Drivers are assessed very stringently and once they are qualified, they are subjected to continuous assessment.

"There is no question of hours being cut. Drivers are given as much training as they need."

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