HC Deb 02 December 1985 vol 88 c8
10. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give details of the progress made in the feasibility study about the proposal to construct a second Severn crossing.

Mr. David Mitchell

The consultants are continuing their examination of the details of the various options for a second crossing in two corridors south of the existing crossing. They are determining optimum locations for a bridge, a driven tunnel and an immersed tube tunnel, and their links with the motorway network. They are also carrying out engineering, environmental, traffic and economic assessments. They have made good progress, and expect to complete their studies by the target date of August 1986.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister say whether he has any plans to authorise the building of a second Severn crossing with private capital? If so, by how much would the tolls be likely to increase, and for how long would they be operated?

Mr. Mitchell

No decision has yet been taken to build a second crossing, so the second point does not arise. However, if we proceed with a second crossing, we shall certainly consider the hon. Gentleman's point.

Mr. Grist

Does my hon. Friend accept that that answer will cause some alarm in south Wales? There should be an undertaking to build a second crossing before the turn of the century. Why are the consultants not considering the Wimpey proposal for a barrage, with associated power generation?

Mr. Mitchell

The barrage is a separate matter. Any decision about when and whether to build an additional crossing of the Severn will be taken in the light of studies which are being made of traffic forecasts, and of the necessity to strengthen the existing crossing.

Mr. Anderson

Is the Minister aware that if what independent forecasters tell us about likely congestion is correct, the decision will have to be made shortly after the date of publication of the report in the autumn? May I take it that the report will be made available to the House when it is published?

Mr. Mitchell

That is a different question. Perhaps I may write to the hon. Gentleman about it.

Mrs. Clwyd

In view of the continuing tailbacks on the Severn bridge— sometimes of several miles—and the fact that industrialists in Wales have said that this is affecting the Welsh economy, will the Minister consider abolishing the tolls?

Mr. Mitchell

There are no plans at present to abolish the tolls on that estuarial crossing.