§ Mr. KaufmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 2000,Official Report, column 328W, concerning the Jubilee line, what other recently completed railways (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) abroad have experienced delays at one point which resulted in delays and train cancellations throughout the line; and for what reason the doors designed to lead to trains on the westbound Jubilee line platform at Westminster station are not in use. [115751]
§ Mr. HillThe information requested in answer to the first part of my right hon. Friend's question is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
However, London Underground is a member of an international group of Metro operators. I understand that within this group over half have constructed new lines in recent years; of these new lines more than half have experienced "teething problems".
I understand from London Underground that the platforms at Westminster are designed to accommodate seven car trains (to allow for capacity increases in later years). Jubilee line trains presently consist of only six cars. The rear platform edge doors of the Westbound platform are therefore not currently in use and are kept closed for safety reasons. I am advised that information notices are posted on the relevant doors.