§ 7. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Transport if he has received the special report on the completion date and final cost of the Western Avenue underpass at Hanger Lane; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. John Hay)We have now received the special report from the consulting engineers and we expect the surface junction above the underpass to be open to traffic in its final form by the end of May. Pedestrians should be able to use the subways a few weeks later. The final cost of the contract is likely to be about £925,000.
§ Mr. HallDoes not this mean that this underpass is fourteen months late and will cost about £250,000 more than the original estimate? What redress has the Ministry against the contractors?
§ Mr. HayWe are in discussion with the contractors about a number of matters arising out of this. There is a claim which we are told the contractors propose to make, and in the circumstances it would be wiser if I did not comment in answer to my hon. Friend's question. My right hon. Friend and I have taken the very closest interest in this case.