HC Deb 10 March 1997 vol 292 cc24-5W
16. Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received about the future of London Transport. [17768]

Sir George Young

Following my recent statement to the House, a wide range of views have been expressed about the Government's proposals to privatise London Underground.

20. Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to privatise the London Underground. [17772]

25. Lady Olga Maitland

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future ownership of London Underground. [17777]

Sir George Young

I announced to the House on 25 February,Official Report, columns 149–52, that the Government intend to privatise the London Underground. Privatisation will enable the Underground's infrastructure to be modernised as soon as possible, while capping fares and safeguarding the aspects of the present system which passengers value, such as travelcard, safety and service levels. We are now developing our proposals and aim to publish a White Paper in the summer.

Mr. Dykes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from(a) members of the public and (b) organisations on his proposals to privatise the London underground network. [18273]

Mr. Bowis

We have received a number of representations from members of the public and organisations on our proposals to privatise London Underground.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further proposals he has for the improvement of London Underground; and if he will make a statement. [18014]

Mr. Bowis

The Government believe that, while great strides have been made by the underground's management and staff in recent years, the best way to improve the London Underground is to privatise it. Privatisation will enable the Underground's infrastructure to be modernised as soon as possible, while capping fares and safeguarding the aspects of the present system which passengers value, such as travelcard, safety and service levels.