§ 29. Mr. Norman Baker (Lewes)What progress is being made in securing adequate transport arrangements for visitors to the dome. [77398]
§ The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr. Chris Smith)Excellent progress is being made in delivering new transport infrastructure services that support the public transport objective of the millennium experience project. For example, the first of six new boats for the riverbus services was launched last month and construction work on the new dome pier is on time. The transit link guideway and vehicles that will bring people to the site from Charlton railway station are under construction. Phase 1 of the Jubilee line extension is due to open at the end of April, and phase 2 in the late summer. The on-site coach park is complete. The arrangements for park-and-ride car parks are progressing to plan. The travel industry has confirmed a range of attractive and competitive package offers for travel to and entry to the dome.
§ Mr. BakerI am grateful for that comprehensive answer. If the millennium dome is the rip-roaring success that the Government are working hard to achieve, is the Secretary of State confident that the planned infrastructure, when it is all in place, will be sufficient to carry passengers to the dome? Does he accept that the Jubilee line has been given signalling inferior to what was originally planned, and that the line through Charlton station, which is serviced by Connex South Eastern, already operates at 1.8 per cent. above capacity, according to figures released today? What contingency plans exist to deal with a success so fantastic that there are not enough public transport places?
§ Mr. SmithWe anticipate that the dome will, indeed, be a fantastic success and that at least the 12 million visitors currently expected will wish to visit. We want them all to come by public transport. That is why we have been careful, with our colleagues at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the various operating companies, to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place.
§ Mr. Peter Ainsworth (East Surrey)Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the news that National Express will offer an all-in package of travel and admissions to the dome? Given that nearly half the 722 visitors are expected to arrive by rail, what discussions has he had with London Underground about arranging a similar package for people using the Jubilee line extension, assuming that it is indeed finished on time?
§ Mr. SmithDiscussions are continuing with a large number of other travel and transport operators to ensure that a comprehensive range of packages is available. The National Express package announced a week and a half ago is but the start.
§ Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley)Will my right hon. Friend consider making tickets to the dome available in the north-west? People must be able to use west coast main line services efficiently and get to the millennium dome on time.
§ Mr. SmithThe New Millennium Experience Company is conducting detailed discussions with all the train operating companies, including those that handle the north-west main line and its branches. I am confident that announcements will be made shortly about any conclusions that are reached.