§ Mr. BendallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to ensure that London Underground has sufficient resources to ensure the efficient running of the capital's underground system and the safety of passengers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisI cannot comment on the Government's expenditure proposals for London Transport in advance of the unified Budget on 30 November.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement in respect of the derailments on the Central line at(a) Loughton on 8 November and (b) Epping on 1 November of the London underground.
§ Mr. NorrisThis is an operational matter on which London Underground Ltd., LUL, is best placed to comment. I understand from it that the immediate cause of these derailments was very rapid rail wear on sections of the Central line. LUL's engineers have now replaced the worst affected section of track. They are also investigating why it has worn so quickly. The interface between rails and wheels of trains is a complex technical issue, but track lubrication may be an important factor.
§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the lines affected and estimate the number of train services delayed as a consequence of the power failure on the London underground on 24 November.
§ Mr. NorrisI have asked London Transport for an urgent, full report on the circumstances of the power failure, to include what actions it proposes to ensure that there is no recurrence.