§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has received from London Regional Transport concerning improvments to the Northern line; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe modernisation of the Central and Northern lines was recommended in the central London rail study, as part of the major upgrading programme for the existing underground network. Work on the Central line is well advanced and is scheduled for completion in 1995. Work on the Northern line is not likely to commence until the Central line modernisation has been completed. The Government have not yet received from London Transport a formal request for approval of this investment.
In the meantime, London Transport is taking what steps it can within available resources to improve the quality and reliability of the existing service.