§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the estimated time allowed for the painting of the M6 Gravelly Hill interchange; and what is the latest estimated time the contract is expected to be completed.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe works commenced on the 24 May 1982 and the contract period was 30 weeks. Actual completion occurred on 11 November 1983.
§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many firms tendered for the contract to paint the M6 Gravelly Hill interchange; on what date; and to whom the contract was awarded.
§ Mrs. ChalkerSix firms submitted tenders on 2 April 1982 and the contract was awarded to T. E. Cundy and Sons Ltd. on 26 April 1982.
§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the original contracted cost of painting the M6 Gravelly Hill interchange; and what, at the latest date, is the estimated cost of completing the work.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe original contract, including part of the Aston expressway, was let for the sum of £442,729. Investigation by specialists has confirmed that the original paint met its specification and it has proved satisfactory for the 10 years expected of paint on structural steelwork. Nevertheless, as work progressed it became clear that much more grit blasting was required than had been evident from visual inspection or suggested by previous experience of painting contracts for viaducts. It became necessary to extend the contract and then suspend it because of wintry conditions from December 1982 to March 1983. Because of the various difficulties the contract is now estimated to cost some £1.4 million.