§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to answer the letters sent to him by the hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford on 13 January and 13 February regarding the east London river crossing; what recent communications he has had with the European Commission about the proposal; and what steps he now plans to take in respect of the proposal.
§ Mr. NorrisI am sorry that the hon. Member did not receive a reply to her letters. The United Kingdom sent its response to the European Commission's article 169 letter on 17 December. There have since been informal discussions with the Commission. Its formal response has not yet been received. In the meantime, preparatory work towards the construction of the east London river crossing continues but no contracts for the construction of this important and urgently needed scheme have yet been let.