§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what possibilities exist in the short and medium terms for the Network SouthEast London to Tilbury and78W Southend line slam-door trains to be replaced in the event of Network SouthEast not being successful in obtaining the £150 million lease finance;
(2) what impact the award of the £150 million lease finance to Network SouthEast would have on the re-equipment of the London to Tilbury and Southend line rolling stock.
§ Mr. FreemanNew outer suburban trains for Network SouthEast are one of two options being considered by BR for the £150 million leasing facility. Should BR decide on that option, I understand that some of the new trains will be used on NSE's great northern division, allowing modern rolling stock to be released to the London to Tilbury and Southend line. This would enable all 112 of the oldest vehicles on LT and S to be withdrawn from service.
BR is expected to announce its preferred leasing option later in the summer. Whatever the outcome, I shall be looking to support further leasing deals, provided they comply with the Treasury's guidelines.
§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safe working life is now put on the Network SouthEast London to Tilbury and Southend line slam-door trains.
§ Mr. FreemanThe safe working life of the trains in the LT and S fleet will vary from vehicle to vehicle. For this reason, each unit is assessed by BR engineers on a regular basis. It is also possible to extend the life of vehicles by refurbishment.