§ Mr. KaufmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will direct London Underground to conduct an inquiry into continuing delays on the Jubilee Line, the operation and use of doors on the westbound platform at Westminster station, the operation of doors on the eastbound platform at Westminster station on the evening of 7 March and the delay to a southbound train at Baker Street station on the morning of 8 March. [114324]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 13 March 2000]: I note my right hon. Friend's request for an inquiry. However, problems are not unusual when bedding in a new railway, and LUL have informed me that they are doing all they can to identify and resolve recurring faults.
The incidents referred to are operational matters for London Underground Ltd. Platform edge doors are new technology for London Underground and, despite driver training, there were some initial problems, not only at Westminster, with operating procedures. This situation has improved as drivers have become more expert at handling the new equipment. There are however occasional faults. I understand that on 7 March the doors on the eastbound train failed to close at Westminster station. The train was taken out of passenger service and replaced. The initial delay was 18 minutes and the whole of the Jubilee Line was delayed as a consequence. A number of trains were cancelled as a result of the delay. New software to eliminate faults is currently under test.
I am advised that on 8 March southbound delays resulted from traction current problems between Baker Street and Finchley Road.