§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlie the decision to install air conditioning in drivers' cabs on the Central line; what has been the cost(a) per cab and (b) in total of the installation of air conditioning; and if he will make a statement. [11941]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe scope of investment projects is a matter for London Underground Ltd. However, I understand that air conditioning in drivers' cabs was installed for health and safety reasons, as operators would be subject to excessive temperatures during hot weather—for safety reasons, there are no opening cab windows and it would not be possible to open cab doors in transit. The total cost of installing air conditioning is estimated at £3.5 million or around £20,000 per cab. This is less than 1 per cent. of the total cost of the trains.