HC Deb 16 January 2002 vol 378 cc342-3W
Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many trains run on the busiest sections of each line of the London Underground during(a) the busiest hour and (b) the busiest quarter hour during weekdays. [27662]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 15 January 2002]: This is an operational matter for London Underground who have provided the information:

(a) For the busiest hour, I refer the hon. Member to the figures for 2001 in the answer I gave him on 19 December 2001, Official Report, column 505W. However, on the Central Line. the new timetable introduced on 13 January 2002 will mean an increase in peak frequencies in the morning peak hour to 30 trains per hour westbound and to 24 trains per hour eastbound.

(b) The number of trains currently scheduled to run in the busiest quarter hour in the morning peak for each line is set out in the following table.

the tube infrastructure. I understand that, subject to bids representing value for money and to consultation with the Mayor and Transport for London, London Underground expects to be able to sign contracts before the end of the financial year. Provided the safety arrangements are accepted by the Health and Safety Executive, the contracts would take effect, and the Modernisation programme commence, as soon as possible thereafter.

Mr. Wiggin

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future funding plans for the London Underground. [27836]

Mr. Spellar

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin) on 11 May 2001,Official Report, column 379W.