§ Mr. Stephen TwiggTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the causes are of the delay in repairs to the escalators at stations on the Victoria and Northern lines. [139250]
§ Mr. HillThis is an operational matter for London Underground, who report that, in addition to their ongoing programme of planned maintenance and replacement of escalators, there are currently 11 escalators under repair following breakdowns on the Northern and Victoria lines. For most of the escalators which have suffered breakdowns, the causes have been problems with either top-shafts or steps. In a number of cases the relevant parts have to be specially ordered before repairs can be carried out and this does cause some delays. London Underground have prioritised the programme of repairs280W to tackle first those stations where customer numbers are greatest. A number of escalators have already been returned to service.
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the cause was of the escalator failure at King's Cross Station; and when these escalator defects will be repaired. [139249]
§ Mr. HillThis is an operational matter for London Underground, who inform me that following routine tests some steps were found to be defective on three escalators on the Piccadilly Line. As a safety measure London Underground closed these escalators on 18 September 2000 for repairs. All three escalators are now back in service. Another escalator at Kings Cross was taken out of service during week commencing 13 November 2000 as part of London Underground's routine programme of planned refurbishment. This is due to be returned to service in approximately 18–20 weeks' time.