HC Deb 02 December 1988 vol 142 cc408-9W
Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the report of the manning by the London fire brigade, carried out in the current year, into the whole of London Underground.

Mr. Portillo

I am not aware of such a report and would ask the hon. Member for details of the report to which he refers.

Mr. Leighton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many uniformed officers of the British Transport police are usually deployed underground on the London Underground.

Mr. Portillo

On an average day 102 uniformed officers are deployed, on a three shift basis, on the Underground network.

Mr. Leighton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the report of the London fire brigade's inspection of six London Underground stations in March.

Mr. Portillo

Publication is a matter for London Underground. I understand that LUL will be publishing reports on such inspections in future, through the London Regional Passenger Committee, in line with the recommendation in Mr. Fennell's report on the King's Cross fire.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussion he has had with London Regional Transport on improving Underground platform safety and increasing the number of platform staff at Underground stations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

The statutory responsibility for Underground safety rests with London Regional Transport. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked LRT to make regular reports to him on its implementation of the recommendations of the Fennell report which include a number relevant to platform safety.