§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will call for a report from the managing director of London Underground about changes in the level of crime on the London Underground in the last year and its relationship to reductions in staffing at stations and on trains; what new measures are going to be taken to reduce crime; and if he will make a statement. [34307]
§ Mr. NorrisI have no plans to ask for such a report. The security of passengers and staff is a top priority for London Underground Ltd. and I am satisfied that LUL takes full account of any potential impacts on passenger security when making decisions on staffing levels. The small increase in overall underground crime last year was largely due to an increase in pickpocketing offences; the incidence of violent crime fell. I understand that London Underground and the British Transport police have 879W several initiatives planned for this year with the aim of reducing further crime on the underground.