§ Q4. Richard Ottaway (Croydon, South)What are his plans for the financing of London Underground; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterOur plans for the modernisation of the tube will unlock some £13 billion for investment and maintenance over the next 15 years. We believe that the public-private partnership is the best way to do that.
§ Richard OttawayI asked the Prime Minister what his plans were, not how he is getting on. Does he recall his manifesto pledge on the underground:
Better transport is crucial to the future of London…Labour plans a new public/private partnership to improve the Underground"?That was not in 2001. That was in 1997, and nothing has happened since then. Will the Prime Minister show his commitment to devolution, stop arguing with the mayor, and fully involve the Greater London Authority in working out what is best for London's long-suffering underground passengers?
§ The Prime MinisterWe will proceed with the plans that we have. I say to the hon. Gentleman that he is probably in a worse position than any other Member of this House to raise the issue of the tube. If we are quoting what people said in 1997, let me quote what he said in July of that year. He referred to the
now glaringly obvious success of railway privatisationand asked the Government toadmit that the privatisation of London Underground is the best way forward."—[Official Report, 29 July 1997; Vol. 299, c. 139.]