• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

Thank you. Can we be kept aware of what is happening there?

• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

I have raised this issue because a case was brought to my attention which concerned a young girl travelling in the early evening on the DLR. The child was put on the train by one adult to be met at the other end - quite safely, except that she was 20p short of the fare. It was reported to me that, despite explaining her situation to the member of staff and offering her name and address, she was put off the train at the next station, which was deserted, when it was getting dark.In light of this and, I am...

• Question by: Valerie Shawcross
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

Although you cannot give a date, there is no reason why you think it should spin beyond 2005?

• Question by: Valerie Shawcross
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

So you are confirming that, at the moment, there are no unanticipated obstacles or extra delays?

• Question by: Meg Hillier
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

It is allowed if you are Mayor of London, is it?

• Question by: Meg Hillier
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

Thank you. So when you say no, you think it is unacceptable for you to leave your coffee cup on a Tube when you have finished drinking it.

• Question by: Trevor Phillips
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

How else would you get to read Metro, for God's sake? Are you aware of the practice here at Westminster of having two people holding the plastic bags? Do you know why that is, and doesn't it seem like a massive waste of somebody's life to stand for hours holding a plastic bag for rubbish?

• Question by: Meg Hillier
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

I am glad that you do not think it acceptable behaviour, and that you have apologised to London if indeed you did do that. The serious point is that the present situation is inadequate. You talk about having new receptacles and working groups looking at that. Are you aware of the bomb-proof bins that have been unveiled, and the amount of money that that could save the Underground when eventually it comes under Londoners' control? Are you also aware that London Underground managers say - in fact, we received evidence here - that it is unauthorised to have bags tied...

• Question by: Meg Hillier
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

It is worth clarifying that we were hosted by ALG leaders, obviously grateful for our work in checking the Mayor's inflationary Budget from its original 33% proposal to a far more reasonable 22.6% - most of which is going on valuable policing, which is welcomed by borough leaders in my area. It was a high-calorie, liquid dinner, at which we had a very enjoyable time. The Labour group members did not fete the ALG leaders at all.

• Question by: Brian Coleman
• Meeting date: 28 February 2001

I understand that, at the recent Labour spring conference in Glasgow, at a dinner which Labour GLA Members gave for borough leaders, Meg Hillier stood there welcoming them one by one with the words, "I'm dreadfully sorry; I'm very sorry; I am so sorry." [Laughter.] I understand also that one borough leader was heard to remark to Lord Harris over dessert, "Is that 22% or 33% fat-free, Toby?" Would the Mayor recognise that this has caused serious discord. In my borough, I am forced into the rather invidious position of defending the Mayor's honour in the face of the most...