§ Mr. WilkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made towards the injection of private capital into the infrastructure of London Transport Underground. [63563]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe are making very good progress, as my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 14 December 1998,official report, columns 623–34, during the second reading debate on the Greater London Authority Bill. Work is now under way to restructure London Underground in preparation for a competition to be held for the private sector to operate and invest in the upgrading of the Underground's infrastructure, into an operations company, which will remain in the public sector, and three infrastructure divisions. Subject to bids for the infrastructure divisions representing Best Value for the public sector they will transfer to the private sector for the duration of the Public-Private Partnership.