§ 5. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the progress of the investigations being made into the cost of repairs and maintenance of the A19 trunk road in County Durham and County Cleveland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellI imagine that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the investigations into the Tees viaduct and the Teesside diversion. I expect the investigations to be completed shortly. My ministerial colleague plans to make a statement when she has had the opportunity of studying the results.
§ Mr. DormandI was not referring only to those matters. The Minister had better be more effectively briefed than that. Is there not something seriously wrong when the cost of repairs to the road to which I am referring has been more than £7 million over the past nine years? Why has it taken more than two years to complete the investigations and inquiries? Will the Minister give an assurance that when they are completed the report will be made public? Is he aware that there is talk in the north-east about a cover-up? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] Oh, yes, and the sooner the issue is openly clarified, the better it will be for everyone.
§ Mr. MitchellI emphatically deny any suggestion of a cover-up. Independent investigations are in hand on three separate sections. Two reports have been received and one is expected in April. In view of the complex technical and legal issues involved, it will be sensible for the reports to be considered jointly before a statement is made.