§ 7. Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Epping Forest on 23 February, Official Report, column 8, what consideration he has now given to the memorandum about the running of the London Underground submitted to him by the hon. Member for Epping Forest.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have, as I offered, copied the memorandum to the chairman of London Underground for consideration and reply. In addition, I covered a number of these matters in my recent letter to my hon. Friend.
§ Sir John Biggs-DavisonAlthough the improvement of tracks and signals must take time, may immediate attention be given to the representations of the Line Users Action Group regarding timetables, with particular reference to Epping and Debden?
§ Mr. MitchellI shall ensure that my hon. Friend's views are drawn to the attention of the chairman of London Underground Ltd. There were problems on the introduction of the new timetables, but I understand that they are now being satisfactorily dealt with.
§ Mr. SquireIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a widespread welcome in my constituency for the increased number of trains on the District line, particularly in the rush hour, and the fact that it has been achieved at a reduced cost to the taxpayer? Will my hon. Friend, when he tries to improve the use of the Underground, continue to bear in mind the fact that a large number of women refuse to travel on the Underground after the evening rush hour?
§ Mr. MitchellI am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to that fact. The sum of £15 million is being allocated over the next three years to London Regional Transport to help cut crime on the Underground. I hope that that will bear the sort of fruit that he and I want to see.