§ Mr. CallaghanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport by how much investment in London commuter services is planned to increase over the next year. [39966]
§ Mr. BowisI cannot anticipate the outcome of this year's Budget, which will be a factor in determining the funds available for investment by public sector operators, including London Transport. Substantial investment is planned by private companies now running trains in the former Network SouthEast area: Prism intends to replace two thirds of the London, Tilbury and Southend rolling stock by 1999; South Eastern plans to spend £400 million on a modern fleet for its Kent services, London and South Coast plans a major refurbishment of its rolling stock and the newly-franchised Chiltern line has already placed an order for new rolling stock.