HC Deb 27 March 1990 vol 170 cc143-4W
Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will instruct the railway inspectorate to examine the period of experience required before a driver may take sole charge of an underground train; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

Drivers of London underground trains are presently recruited from guards who are trained to drive as part of their duty, and who can apply to become drivers after six months' service. Candidates for driver posts receive a further 14 days of basic training, followed by a period of rolling stock and route training specific to the line on which they are to drive.

As the number of guards is declining, London Underground has developed proposals to recruit drivers directly. This is at present being discussed with the unions concerned and I have asked the railway inspectorate to review the conclusions of those discussions with London Underground in due course.