§ Viscount Goschenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the total cost to the taxpayer, including legal costs, of the dispute between the Government and the Mayor of London in connection with the London Underground public/private partnership.[HL1770]
§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)The estimated cost to London Transport and to the Department of Transport of preparing for the public/private partnership, including the costs being repaid to all bidders, is likely to total around £500 million. It is not possible to identify how much of this is specifically attributable to the Mayor's opposition.
In addition, Transport for London would also have expended significant costs. This is a matter for the Mayor.