HC Deb 01 February 1956 vol 548 cc894-5
16. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation for how long work was held up on the Loughton by-pass on route A.5, while the beams for the bridge, which had to be constructed, had to be redesigned owing to the inadequacy of the original design; and what total extra cost will have been incurred on account of this delay.

Mr. Watkinson

In this case the contractors have an outstanding claim against the county council for compensation in respect of delay to the progress of the works. Until this has been disposed of, I do not think I should make a statement on the points to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this delay was aggravated by the fact that the county surveyor had to refer even minor matters to his Ministry? Is he further aware that the extra cost involved was in no way the fault of the contractors concerned, but was due to the methods of bureaucracy?

Mr. Watkinson

On the broad issue, if my hon. Friend can give me any suggestions which will help to speed up road construction, I shall be only too pleased to consider them, but this specific case is sub judice as far as I am concerned.