HL Deb 03 May 2001 vol 625 cc133-4WA
Lord Sheppard of Didgemere

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will incorporate in Public Private Partnership contracts for London Underground the changes set out in the Deputy Prime Minister's letter of 27 March to Mr Kiley (Commissioner for Transport for London) to accommodate his concerns for unified management control. [HL2018]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

Mr Kiley replied to my right honourable friend the Deputy Prime Minister's letter with a further series of requirements which were wholly incompatible with the key risk transfer and performance management characteristics of the PPP. In his letter of 30 March to the Chairman of London Transport, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, the Deputy Prime Minister explained his view that what was really needed was to avoid any further delay in securing the massive long-term investment that the Underground requires and that the best way to do this was through the PPP. The LT Board are now making every effort to bring matters to as speedy a conclusion as possible, consistent with the permanent requirement to maintain and improve safety on the Underground and to achieve the best deal for London.

Lord Sheppard of Didgemere

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect the Public Private Partnership contracts for London Underground to be signed; what capital investment London Underground has been authorised to carry out in the meantime; and how it will be funded. [HL2019]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

I understand that the Board of London Transport decided on 2 May to appoint preferred bidders in the competitions for each of the two deep tube contracts, and that they expect to appoint a preferred bidder in the competition for the sub-surface lines contract in the summer. They aim to have completed all three competitions by the autumn. London Underground's capital investment in the meantime will continue to be funded by a combination of Government grant and London Transport's own revenues. London Transport has an interim grant settlement for 2001–02 of £104 million. The Government are currently considering what additional resources to make available in respect of London Underground.