HC Deb 14 December 1984 vol 69 cc612-3W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will provide extra revenue support for London Regional Transport to compensate it for any losses caused by the Oxford Circus station fire.

Mrs. Chalker

I have no plans to do so. London Regional Transport is currently discussing with the assessors the basis of an insurance claim following the station fire at Oxford Circus.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has asked the Railways Inspectorate for a report on the Oxford Circus station fire on 23 November.

Mrs. Chalker

The Railway Inspectorate is receiving detailed reports on the fire from London Regional Transport and the London fire brigade. It will study these in the light of its investigation of previous fires at Finsbury Park (1976) and Goodge Street (1981) and will then report on any measures that should be taken to prevent a recurrence, or to improve the handling of emergencies of that kind.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the expected cost of reopening Oxford Circus Victoria line platforms to the public.

Mrs. Chalker

London Regional Transport is not yet able to make a firm estimate, but preliminary indications are that the cost of reopening the Victoria and Bakerloo line platforms at Oxford Circus could be in the region of £1 million to £2 million. Further expenditure will be needed to refubish the station to current standards.