§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of current delays on(a) London Underground and (b) commuter rail services into London are due to shortages of (i) drivers and (ii) other staff. [142698]
§ Mr. HillThese are operational matters for London Underground (LUL) and Railtrack. LUL records the number of trains cancelled in the morning and evening peaks periods due to the driver being unavailable, for whatever reason. For the last quarter (20 August to 11 November 2000) 1.55 per cent. of scheduled peak 173W services were cancelled due to no driver being available. It is not possible for LUL to provide figures on delays caused by other staff as the data are not available in this format.
The information on commuter rail services is not available in the form requested. However, in 1999–2000, the main cause of 9 per cent. of train delays was attributed to train crew shortages.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent studies have been undertaken by his Department into the reopening of railway lines; and if he will list the lines in Wales which have been considered for reopening. [142939]
§ Mr. HillDETR has not undertaken any recent studies, but the shadow Strategic Rail Authority has received bids to reopen railway lines under the Rail Passenger Partnership (RPP) scheme. Cardiff Railways are expected to forward a formal bid for RPP funding to reopen the Vale of Glamorgan line. The shadow SRA assesses bids received against the Franchising Director's Planning Criteria, and against value for money in the delivery of the scheme and in comparison with other projects.