National watchdog checks Tube safety

Safety chiefs are to conduct another investigation of the London Underground before making a final decision on whether to approve Government plans to part-privatise the network.

They will concentrate their investigation on whether there has been any deterioration in safety standards since the Tube was divided into separate operating divisions in readiness for the private sector taking over.

Officers from the Health and Safety Executive, the national safety authority, have met transport commissioner Bob Kiley to discuss the inspections and is expected to report next month.

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers has already said he would make an announcement on the future of the Tube in January.

? Commuters suffered more delays from 8.30am today when a broken down train closed the east-bound Central line between Marble Arch and Liverpool Street for the morning rush hour.