HC Deb 16 December 1998 vol 322 cc533-4W
Sir Sydney Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the delay in providing new trains on the London Underground Northern Line and what is the expected date when the trains will be operational; and if he will list the financial penalties imposed for the late delivery of the trains. [63402]

Ms Glenda Jackson

London Underground and ALSTOM are working together to introduce the new Northern Line trains as quickly as possible. The first of the new trains entered passenger service on 12 June 1998 and London Underground expect that a full Northern Line service will be provided with new trains by early Autumn 1999.

Under the terms of the contract, ALSTOM is liable to pay liquidated damages to London Underground in respect of delays in the delivery of the new trains. The amount is commercially confidential.