§ 21. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the level of and plans for capital investment in London Regional Transport.
§ Mr. David MitchellLondon Regional Transport's annual business plan, published in December 1986, shows a planned investment of £280 million in 1987–88. That compares with a forecast expenditure of £259 million this year and with an expenditure of £234 million in 1985–86. I welcome this continuing trend as evidence of LRT's commitment to the highly successful modernisation of their system.
Their investment programme contains many projects of benefit to the travelling public, including provision for new buses with easier access for the disabled; a £135 million scheme to automate the Underground's ticketing and ticket control system; a £45 million scheme to provide additional Underground trains; replacement of the Underground's power stations with equipment to permit cheaper access to the national grid; and a continuing programme of station modernisation to enhance passengers' environment and save future maintenance costs.
§ 28. Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review with the chairman of London Regional Transport safety standards on the underground and buses.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have no plans at present to call for such a review. The primary responsibility for maintaining safety of both bus and Underground systems rests with the operators. They are governed by the relevant statutory requirements and the bodies responsible for ensuring compliance. I shall be happy to consider carefully any matters my hon. Friend brings to my attention.