• Question by: Toby Harris
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

I am particularly concerned about the details of the contract and why on earth we have to be funding it. Secondly, can we please have a list of exactly where the money is coming from and what services will be cut as a result?

• Question by: Samantha Heath
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

Can you give us a detailed assessment of exactly where the money is coming from for the Hungerford Bridge?

• Question by: Meg Hillier
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

It is interesting that you quote the figure of 88%, because I understand that that includes many informal agreements to use McDonald's branches, pubs and the like, which is not really an adequate solution. In addition, London Underground is currently causing problems for many bus drivers by refusing them access to their buildings, which in the past have been shared. There are health and safety issues both for the drivers of buses and for other bus staff, particularly for women - where there are health complications if there is a problem in using facilities. There are also issues for local...

• Question by: John Biggs
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

• Question by: John Biggs
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

• Question by: John Biggs
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

I take it, then, that you are restating your declaration about openness. I should like to see in writing precisely how that is going to be implemented. A particular problem with scrutiny bodies is getting information about exactly what is going on - for example, on the transport spending review.

• Question by: Roger Evans
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

On the subject of consultation and openness, I notice from your flier that all your "meet the Mayor" events are scheduled for venues in central London. Does that not mean that you are continuing to be a "zone 1 Mayor"?

• Question by: Sally Hamwee
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

This is not so much a complaint about deliberate holding back - I hope - as a request for greater efficiency. Are you aware, Ken, that at least one Assembly Member has not had replies to any letters to you, including one written in May? As part of your assurance, which I accept in absolute good faith, that you wish to be open with Assembly Members, will you look at the way the office is operating, to ensure that written requests for information are satisfied and letters are answered?

• Question by: John Biggs
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

Could you answer the first and more important part of my question: are you prepared to restate your commitment to openness, and will you lay before the Assembly standards for responding to requests for information?

• Question by: John Biggs
• Meeting date: 13 September 2000

We might need to get the textual analysts to reflect on that one. The boroughs and areas that I represent do not necessarily have a problem with the principle, but they want to see the detail, as Valerie Shawcross said. They are not convinced that, on the timescale to which you have nailed yourself, this is achievable. They are saying two things. The first is: "Ken Livingstone wants to get it in place mid-term so that the initial unpopularity can be got out of the way and he can help himself to get elected" - a noble politician's objective, but...