The House Commons Transport Select Committee has warned the government against proceeding with the part privatisation of London Underground.

In a report published on Tuesday, the committee argued that ministers would not be able to decide if the PPP proposals represented better value for money than keeping the tube entirely in the public sector.

Forum Response: Transport for London

Bob Kiley, commissioner of Transport for London, told ePolitix.com: "I am delighted the committee has unanimously concluded the government should not proceed with the London Underground PPP. The committee's report highlights the PPP's many flaws: it is potentially unsafe; it creates a fragmented Underground system; and it is hugely expensive.

"We agree with the committee's view that the government must commit itself to sustained, increased funding for the Underground and that it should now work with the mayor and TfL to put alternatives to the PPP in place, which will deliver real, measurable and deliverable improvements."

Forum Response: London Underground

A London Underground spokesman told ePolitix.com: "This report reinforces the urgent need for long term, sustained funding in the Underground. The only rapidly available way to achieve this is to proceed with the PPP. What the Tube does not need is another delay while new alternatives are considered.

"Clearly London Underground has not yet had an opportunity to fully absorb the select committee's findings but this will be done before any final decision is taken."