HC Deb 02 February 1987 vol 109 cc671-2
1. Mr. Watts

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has of the numbers of people who will be employed in the construction of the proposed third Thames crossing at Dartford.

The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. John Moore)

The proposed new bridge should provide up to 5,000 man years of employment. Many jobs will be in steel production and fabrication in the north-east.

Mr. Watts

I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply. Any measure to relieve congestion at the Dartford tunnel and speed the flow of traffic on the M25 will be of benefit to all users, including many companies in my constituency. What advantages are there in the method of construction and operation using the private sector, and does my right hon. Friend feel that that principle could be applied to any other major transport project?

Mr. Moore

The project will relieve congestion at the Dartford tunnel and I know that all hon. Members will welcome that. Private sector financing will enable the bridge to be provided over and above the Government's road programme. To put that in context, it might be the equivalent, in money terms, of 10 to 15 bypasses. Of course, I could not make any commitment about further projects, but I am sure that all hon. Members will welcome the spending of additional money on such quality infrastructure projects, and it would clearly be of assistance if that could be done through private sector financing.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Does the Secretary of State appreciate that that is the last sort of arrangement that we require in Wales in respect of the proposed second Severn crossing—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The question is about Dartford.

Mr. Hughes

The principle is identical, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

But not today.

Mr. Squire

I am sure that my right hon. Friend is aware that news of the bridge has been widely welcomed in my constituency. Will he advise the House whether there will be any form of performance contract in the construction of the bridge to encourage its completion by the earliest possible date?

Mr. Moore

Of course, such details will be in the Bill when it comes to the House. M y hon. Friend will be aware that one of the great advantages of ensuring early completion, which will be in the interests of all motorists., is that by financing the project through the private sector the risk will be transferred, to that extent, to the private and not the public sector. Therefore, we shall not have the inordinate delays that there have been in some public sector projects.