Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the (1) quality, and (2) safety, of the suspension of the Azuma trains being used on the East Coast mainline; whether (a) they, or (b) LNER, have received reports of increased customer discomfort since the Azuma trains were introduced; and in light of any such assessment or reports, what plans they have to support the rectification of any operational problems identified with these trains.

Azuma trains were designed to modern standards for comfort and safety. Before the trains were delivered to London North Eastern Railway (LNER), a number of commissioning tests were carried out ensuring the quality of the ride was of an acceptable standard and safety specifications had been met. The comfort and safety of the trains in service and the rectification of any operational problems is the responsibility of the train operator, LNER, working in partnership with the train supplier and, if required, the Office of Rail and Road.