HC Deb 28 July 1989 vol 157 c1092W
Mr. Spearing

To ask the Prime Minister if, pursuant to her reply to the right hon. Member for Islwyn (Mr. Kinnock) on 8 June,Official Report, column 366, she will list those proposals received from London Underground Limited for the improvement of their services which Her Majesty's Government intend to approve; whether those improvements will be confined to peak hour travel; and if Her Majesty's Government will make any real increase in peak-hour travel fares conditional on their implementation.

The Prime Minister

Proposals recently approved include the modernisation of the Central line; the provision of 16 additional Underground trains; and improvements to Liverpool street and Angel underground stations. Other proposals will be considered as they come forward. In addition, London Underground Limited intends to invest £266 million over the years 1989–92 to implement the recommendations contained in the report by Mr. Desmond Fennell QC and to enhance safety. Improvements to the Underground system may benefit all passengers, not just those who travel at peak hours, although clearly, some works to enlarge capacity are needed only to cope with peak demand. The level and structure of fares are matters for London Regional Transport to decide.