§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport why the dust vacuuming Underground train was taken out of service; and what plans there are to reintroduce it. [121887]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Tunnel Cleaning Train (TCT) was taken out of service last autumn, due to safety issues related to its age. The TCT has been problematic ever since it was introduced, because it was built using old (1938) rolling stock. Tube lines are now responsible for this train and are considering options for its repair or replacement or alternative ways of cleaning the tunnels. In the meantime, I understand that manual cleaning using standard industrial vacuum cleaners continues, that dust levels in the tunnels and stations are monitored, and that they have not changed as a result of the TCT not being in use.