HC Deb 08 November 1989 vol 159 c642W
Mr. Bowis

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures are being taken to improve services on the Waterloo and City line.

Mr. Portillo

Network SouthEast is well aware of the shortcomings of the Waterloo and City line. It plans a major overhaul of the line over the next few years and a programme of improvements is in hand. Resignalling should be completed by 1992. I am pleased to say that Network SouthEast has today announced that it is to order 20 new coaches to replace the existing fleet. These will be of the most modern design, similar to those on order by London Underground for the Central line. I welcome the British Railways Board's decision to approve this important piece of investment. I expect deliveries to begin in 1992.