Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions

Byers - 'I won't privatise tube' and pledges 'double safety veto'

date 3 Jul 2001 00:00   source Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions   type Press release

This Government will not privatise the Tube, Transport Secretary Stephen Byers told the House of Commons today in a written reply. But he underlined his commitment to creating a 21st Century Tube for London.

He also made clear the independent Health and Safety Executive would have a ''double safety veto'' over the Government''s plans for #13bn investment in the Tube.

Mr Byers told the House of Commons:

''There is no question of privatising, or part privatising, the Tube. The Tube is a public service and the public sector should own and run it.

''The current Tube isn''t good enough. It desperately needs modernising. Of course there is a role for the private sector - working for the public sector London Underground. Together they will deliver the massive improvements that are needed for a better, more reliable and more secure Tube.

''I am not prepared to put safety on the Tube at risk. I therefore intend that there should be a double safety veto. Our proposals for the Tube will not go ahead unless:

First, HSE accept the new safety case for London Underground''s new structure

And second, HSE accept the new safety case to be applied to the involvement of the private sector.

''In addition under my proposals, London Underground will run the tube and retain responsibility for safety. I shall be making this clear to Mr Kiley when I meet him later today''

Press Enquiries: 020 7944 3049; out of hours: 020 7944 5925 / 5945; E-mail: press@dtlr.gov.uk Public Enquiries: 020 7944 3000 DTLR website - http://www.dtlr.gov.uk

Railnews Archive ::: 2001-07-03 DTR-001

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