Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Friday, 30 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 December 2001. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 December 2001 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, how frequently London Underground carries out detailed surveys of its track; and if he will make a statement on the most recent survey. - Includes ref to 376 c561W, 10 December 2001.

Answer: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how frequently London Underground carries out detailed surveys of its track; and if he will make a statement on the most recent survey. [20771] Mr. Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 10 December 2001, Official Report, column 561W. London Underground acknowledge that its track needs major investment. The age and quality of the track requires intensive maintenance and/or the imposition of speed restrictions to enable services to run safely. With limited resources for investment, London Underground has had to prioritise the level of track renewals to ensure that the overall conditions do not deteriorate further. However, once London Underground's tube modernisation plans are in place, the investment backlog will be tackled and the standard and condition of the track will be improved significantly.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 376 c786W; 20771
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Inspections Railway track London Underground Safety Repairs and maintenance Underground railways
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk