HC Deb 25 October 2001 vol 373 c390W
Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has conducted into the applicability of the proposed not-for-profit Railtrack model for re-organising London Underground.[9893]

Mr. Jamieson

Following the 1997 election, London Transport and the Government, advised by PricewaterhouseCoopers, considered a number of different options for the future of the Tube—including the possibility of a not-for-profit private sector trust. We believed then, as we do now, that our modernisation plans are the best way forward for London Underground.

Public sector London Underground will continue to be responsible for running the railway. The operation of track, signals, trains and stations will remain in public hands. The public sector will also be responsible for managing the contracts to maintain and improve the Tube. London Underground is a not-for-profit organisation.

Our plans for the modernisation of the Tube will provide the massive long-term investment the underground needs to deliver a 21st century service. There will be more than £13 billion for investment and maintenance over 15 years, providing significant improvements in the quality, capacity and reliability.

Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the cost to date of advisers on the public-private partnership for London Underground. [10152]

Mr. Jamieson

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 16 October 2001,Official Report, column 1170W.

Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 22 October 2001,Official Report, columns 93–94W, who was the author of the document which showed that one of Mr. Kiley's assistants had proposed changes to a draft report by Parsons Brinkerhoff; and in whose ownership this document is. [10223]

Mr. Byers

I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. and learned Friend Lord Falconer of Thoroton in another place on 24 July 2001,Official Report, House of Lords, column 1845.