HC Deb 31 March 1999 vol 328 cc750-1W
Mr. Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the level of Government grant to London Underground for the year 2000–2001. [78710]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Government aimed to establish the public private partnership (PPP) for the Underground by 2000–01, removing the need for subsidy beyond that point. We have consistently made clear, that we will not be driven by an artificially imposed timetable. The Government's overriding objective is to secure the best value solution for London Underground. In the light of this, we are keeping funding for London Underground under review with London Transport and will take decisions in the context of LT's overall financial position.

Mr. Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to expand the capacity of London Underground. [78711]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The immediate priorities of the Government and London Transport are to see improved reliability and increased service levels on the existing network, plus the completion of the Jubilee Line Extension. Service levels increased by 12 per cent. over the past five years, and London Transport plans a further 8 per cent. increase in 1999–2000.

In the longer term, capacity increases will be written into the performance specifications for contractors under the Public-Private Partnership, as signalling, trains and other key assets on individual lines reach the stage when they need replacing.

Mr. Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the forecast increases in fares on London Underground on a yearly basis, expressed as a percentage, for each of the years 2000 to 2005. [78712]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The forecast on which the financial modelling for the PPP has been based is for fares to rise by 1 per cent. above the rate of inflation in 2000 and 2001, and following that, for fares to rise by the rate of inflation.

Mr. Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the public-private partnership for London Underground. [78890]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Good progress is being made, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport announced on 15 March 1999,Official Report, column 474, in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas).