HC Deb 12 February 1990 vol 167 cc98-9W
16. Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to meet the chairman of London Regional Transport; and what matters will be discussed.

Mr. Parkinson

The date of my next formal meeting with Mr. Newton has not yet been fixed.

41. Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the chairman of London Regional Transport; and whether matters of safety were discussed.

Mr. Portillo

My right hon. Friend and I frequently meet the chairman of London Regional Transport. The most recent meeting was on 5 February when the chairman and I discussed a wide range of matters including safely.

42. Mr. Arbuthnot

To ask the Secretary of Slate for Transport if he will estimate the total net saving to London Regional Transport due to competitive tendering.

Mr. Portillo

London Regional Transport estimates that it has secured cost savings of some 15 per cent. as a result of letting bus routes by competitive tender. It is not possible to quantify the impact of competitive tendering on other areas of its business.

74. Ms. Mowlam

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much grant aid he is providing for London Regional Transport to implement the findings of the Fennell report during 1989–90 and 1990–91.

Mr. Portillo

London Underground estimates that by the year 2000 it will have spent more than £1 billion on improving safety. The improvements go much wider than the recommendations of the Fennell report. Government grant to London Regional Transport is not attributed to specific projects or activities, but the successive increases in grant announced in the last two Autumn Statements will be more than sufficient to enable London Underground to secure its planned improvements in safety standards. Grant is planed to rise by 115 per cent. over the public expenditure survey period.