§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what assessments have been made of the structural defects on bridges 12 and 13 on the M25 motorway; which other bridges are affected; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerMy Department's consulting engineers and contractors are making a thorough survey of the substructure of these bridges, which are under construction. Remedial measures are in hand and will be completed during the construction period. No other structures have been affected, although they are being monitored.
§ Mr. MarshallWho will be responsible for footing the Bill for repairing those bridges? Does it not show a curious lack of judgment that the bridges should have been built on land where ground movements might have been expected anyway?
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe original site investigations revealed the conditions to be very difficult indeed, but ground movements have exceeded what was planned for and anticipated. It is far too early in the investigations to say whether the problem could have been foreseen, but as soon as I have information to that effect I shall let the hon. Gentleman know.