On the right track

ALTHOUGH Westminster politicians are unlikely to win any popularity contest, this should not detract from the increased effectiveness of Parliament’s select committee system.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Jan 2012, 08:46 BST

Not only have these all-party groups relished holding Ministers and powerbrokers to account, but some have become great arbiters of common sense.

Take Louise Ellman’s Transport Select Committee which has published a powerful report on cable thefts, its impact on an already fragile rail network – and steps that need to be taken to stop such crimes from taking place.

Each of its key findings will resonate with the public; namely individuals selling scrap metal having to provide proof of identification and the Government piloting a trial scheme that outlaws cash transactions.

Given that cable theft caused a staggering 35,000 rail services to be delayed or cancelled in 2010-11, it can only be hoped that the Department for Transport responds by accepting the Committee’s findings in full before even more daily routines are disrupted by this criminal scourge.