§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the backlog of(a) maintenance and (b) renewal work on the London Underground was for each of the last three years. [67787]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 8 July 2002]: This is a matter for London Underground.
§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers(a) he and (b) the Mayor of London (i) have and (ii) will have to place the Tube Infracos into administration: under what legislation these powers are in place; and if he will make a statement. [70813]
§ Mr. JamiesonNeither the Secretary of State nor the Mayor have, or will have, any powers to place the infrastructure companies into administration. Decisions on such matters are, and will remain, for the Courts. Under the Insolvency Act 1986 (as modified by the Greater London Authority Act 1999), the Courts may consider and act upon a petition from any person (including the Secretary of State and the Mayor) for administration or winding—up of a company.
Additionally, sections 220–224 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 specify the circumstances under which the Courts could make a PPP administration order. Such an order would bring into effect a special administration regime designed to allow for the continued operation of a safe and effective passenger service. The Secretary of State has the power to make the Rules of the special administration regime.