HL Deb 30 July 1999 vol 604 cc230-1WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

With respect to the sub-surface lines of London Underground, whether it is proposed that Railtrack should be responsible for the maintenance, repair and enhancement of:

  1. (a) track;
  2. (b) civil engineering;
  3. (c) signalling; and
  4. (d) power supply; and

Whether the maintenance, repair and enhancement of track, civil engineering, signalling and power supply of the London sub-surface lines will be undertaken in accordance with Railtrack's Group Standards to facilitate the through-running of trains between the sub-surface lines and Railtrack's own infrastructure; and [HL3789]

Whether their plans for London Underground at present envisage transferring some of the surface sections of deep-tube lines to Railtrack to increase through-running possibilities via the sub-surface lines; and whether the bids being sought for the deep tube infrastructure management will reflect these savings; and [HL3790]

Which body will decide on the routing and service frequencies of trains operating on both the sub-surface lines and Railtrack's lines through London; and [HL3791]

Whether the main line stations or depots are likely to be reduced in size or closed as a result of through-running of services between Railtrack lines and sub-surface lines in London; and to whom any resulting development gain will accrue. [HL3792]

Lord Whitty

London Transport is discussing with Railtrack the scope for integrating the Underground sub-surface lines with the national rail network, on which basis Railtrack would acquire the PPP contract for those lines. This is possible because those sub-surface lines and the national rail network share a similar operating gauge—the gauge for the deep tube lines is different, ruling out through-running.

Subject to the successful outcome of those discussions, Railtrack would become responsible under contract to London Transport for the maintenance, repair and upgrade of track, civil engineering and signalling, as well as other infrastructure such as stations. The power supply infrastructure is in the process of being upgraded under a PFI contract London Underground holds with Seeboard Powerlink.

The integration discussions will cover the issues needing to be addressed for through-running, including the capacity allocation and the implications of surplus capacity being generated. It is too early to confirm any details.