London Underground (Hansard, 14 March 2002)

§ Mr. Redwood
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he plans to sign documents for the public private partnership with London Underground. [41292]

§ Mr. Jamieson
If a final decision is taken to proceed, PPP contracts for the modernisation of London Underground will be signed by London Underground, not the Secretary of State.

§ Mrs. May
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of changes to the contracts to operate train lines under the proposed PPP scheme since 7 February; [42813]
(2) who is responsible for determining (a) whether there have been material changes in the contracts to operate train lines under the proposed PPP scheme since 7 February and (b) whether material changes to the contracts to operate trains under the proposed PPP scheme for the London Underground require a re-evaluation of the value for money survey carried out by (i) London Underground and (ii) Ernst and Young; [42815]
(3) under what circumstances changes to the contract to operate trains under the proposed PPP scheme for the London Underground will require a re-evaluation of the value for money survey carried out by (a) London Underground and (b) Ernst and Young. [42814]

§ Mr. Byers
[holding answer 12 March 2002]: The proposed PPP contracts are for the modernisation of the Underground's infrastructure. London Underground will continue to operate the entire tube network, including trains.
London Underground is responsible for the contracts. London Underground has confirmed that it intends to take a final decision, including in relation to value for money, following completion of consultation with the Mayor and Transport for London.
I and my officials have been kept informed throughout development of the contracts. In taking any decisions that fall to me in my capacity as Secretary of State I will take into account all the relevant factors. I will, in particular, 1206W consider whether any changes to the contracts will affect my three key principles: that there is no privatisation, that safety is not compromised and that the contracts offer value for money.