Midland Link Motorways

HC Deb 23 April 1980 vol 983 c190W

17. Mr. Rooker

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on repairs to the elevated sections of the Midland link motorways.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We have a continuing programme of repairs to the Midland links viaducts and this will take a few years to complete.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if his Department has approved negotiated tenders for the supervision of repairs to the Midland link motorways; and, if so, whether such tenders will be allowed for the main contractors on such work;

(2) if he will make a statement on the use of negotiated tenders instead of competitive tenders by agents acting for his Department.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Contracts for work on trunk roads are normally awarded following competitive tendering among selected contractors, but negotiated tenders are appropriate in very limited circumstances. We have not yet been asked to approve a negotiated tender for supervision of work on the Midland links. Any such request would be considered on its merits, as would one in respect of a construction contract.