'Mayor to get Tube lines'

The Government is today reported to be preparing a humiliating climbdown on its Tube plans and hand control of part of the network to Ken Livingstone.

One of the private consortia bidding to take over maintenance of the deeplevel lines is said to be at risk of failing a crucial value-formoney test.

The Independent reports today that Whitehall officials are considering giving the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines to the Mayor's transport commissioner Bob Kiley - effectively conceding partial defeat to the two men who have done most to undermine the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.

Final investment plans from Tube Lines, the private consortia in question, and Metronet are due to arrive at London Underground's St James's headquarters by today. They will form the basis of the crucial value-formoney test for the PPP which must be passed if the scheme is to be introduced.

A Government source told The Independent: "It's not looking good for the Piccadilly, Jubilee and Northern line contract. It's very difficult to see how the private sector can meet the value-for-money test for that bit of the PPP."

The report is in line with recent moves by the Government to give itself an escape route from the highly unpopular investment programme.

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers has admitted his department is preparing alternative plans - including allowing the public sector to retain control of the Tube - if it fails the value-formoney test.