London Underground (Hansard, 2 December 1987)

§ Mr. John Marshall
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received any proposals from London Regional Transport for investment designed to improve the quality of service on the northern line; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. David Mitchell
We have received and approved proposals, at a cost of some £45 million, for 16 additional trains which will enhance services and relieve overcrowding on five Underground lines, notably the Northern line. London Underground is now taking delivery of the new trains and the higher service levels should be operating by the end next year. In addition we have recently approved a £20 million scheme to replace existing lifts at Angel station, with flights of escalators, emerging in a new ticket hall. This facility—on which work will commence early in the New Year—will bring substantial improvements in conditions for passengers at the station. The Government have not to date refused any investment proposed for the Underground.

§ Mr. Cohen
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to what has been the effect of placing maintenance and installation on the London Underground out to tender on a number of stations without escalator and lift services at any one time; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. David Mitchell
Tendering for maintenance contracts has so far been undertaken for 25 escalators—where the work was won by the in-house team — and seven lifts, where an outside contractor bid successfully for the contract. I am advised that both contracts are operating well and that there is no adverse effect on reliability. Installation of lifts and escalators has always been carried out by external contractors.

§ Mr. Cohen
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the current incidence of driver shortages and defective rolling stock on the London Underground and as to what effect these are having on services, with particular reference to overcrowding, delays and safety; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. David Mitchell
I understand London Underground is currently experiencing a shortage of drivers, particularly on the Northern line, and is taking steps to recruit the necessary staff. Safety is a first priority and trains are not run, or are taken out of service, if they become defective. This inevitably affects service levels. In the week ending 27 November, I am informed that just over 1 per cent. of scheduled trips were cancelled because of staff sickness or non-availability; and less than 2 per cent. of scheduled peak hour trips were cancelled due to shortage of rolling stock or its withdrawal from service.