London Underground — 25 Jun 1997

I beg to move,

That this House welcomes the belated recognition by the Government that the future operation of, and investment in, London Underground can best be carried out by privately-owned companies; and urges the Government to avoid dogma and pursue with vigour ways to maximise private investment in the Underground whilst preserving safeguards for passengers.

I beg to move, To leave out from "House" to the end of the Question, and to add instead thereof:

"regrets the substantial investment backlog in the London Underground which the Government has inherited; welcomes the Government's rejection of the wholesale privatisation of the London Underground, as proposed by the previous Government; and applauds the Government's swift action on options for public-private partnerships to improve the Underground, safeguard its commitment to the public interest and guarantee value for money to taxpayers and passengers."

Question put, That the original words stand part of the Question:--

The House divided: Ayes 146, Noes 375.

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