§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made on the proposed introduction of the changes in the role of the consulting engineer in motorway and trunk road construction contracts which he announced in the House on 23 July 1987,Official Report, column 288–89.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyDetails of the proposed amendments to the conditions of contract to give effect to the changes have recently been sent to the professional bodies for comment. The proposals maintain an important role for the consulting engineer, within a framework which places responsibility for major decisions on the Department as employer. Initially, the Department plans to let three contracts under the new arrangements, for which tenders are expected to be invited this autumn.