HC Deb 19 December 2001 vol 377 cc513-4W
Mr. Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) how many trains have been cancelled since 7 October in(a) the southern zone, (b) the south eastern network and (c) Kent and Sussex; and what the figures are for the same period in 1997; [22916]

(2) how many trains running in November were late in reaching their destination within (a) Railtrack's southern zone, (b) the south eastern network and (c) Kent and Sussex; and what the figures were for November 1997. [22919]

Mr. Jamieson

The information is not available in the form requested.

Mr. Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps have been taken by Railtrack to improve the power supply for the south eastern rail network, with particular reference to Kent and Sussex; how much money was spent on the required upgrading(a) before and (b) since Railtrack plc was placed into administration; and how much is required before all new rolling stock can be utilised together. [22927]

Mr. Jamieson

Connex Transport UK Ltd., in conjunction with Railtrack, are seeking to find a means of ensuring that the power supply is adequate for the operation of these trains. Until these means are identified the investment required to solve the problem will not be known.

Mr. Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much money Railtrack plc has spent on maintenance and repair of the south eastern rail network, with particular reference to Kent and Sussex, since being placed into administration; and what the comparative figures are for the same period in 1997. [22922]

Mr. Jamieson

This is a matter for the Administrator.

Mr. Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many newly commissioned trains and carriages are unutilized within the south eastern rail network with particular reference to Kent and Sussex as a result of the power supply in the southern zone. [22918]

Mr. Jamieson

There are currently no commissioned units stabled in Kent or Sussex which are not in use. There are units stabled at these locations while undergoing a rigorous process to gain acceptance for use on the network. There are no units out of use due to any issues concerning power supply.