§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what monitoring is in place to ensure that any fracturing of the strata due to compressive forces, or from other causes, as a result of the construction and subsequent use of the new Severn bridge is brought to(a) his Department's and (b) public attention; what investigations were undertaken prior to its construction to determine the risk of damage to underlying strata and fresh water resources; and what indemnity has been agreed to cover any such damage and for the Government to undertake corrective measures. [40139]
§ Mr. WattsThis is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. William Ross, dated 2 November 1995:
As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport, what guarantees or undertakings for compensation where given by the Government to (a) contractors, (b) companies and (c) consultants involved with the construction and use of the new Severn Bridge crossing in respect of (i) pollution and (ii) future pollution to the supply of fresh water from the aquafissure Big Spring Severn Tunnel for supply to industrial and commercial undertakings.No guarantees or undertakings for compensation were given by Government to any of the contractors, companies or consultants involved in the construction and use of the new Severn Bridge in respect of pollution or future pollution to the supply of fresh water from the Great Spring.Any claims for compensation arising out of a breach of the Concessionaire's obligations under the Concession Agreement would be met by the Concession Company, Severn River Crossing Plc, under the terms of its Concession Agreement with the Secretary of State.This situation applies both during the construction period and for the duration of the subsequent operation period which under the terms of the Concession Agreement is for a maximum of 30 years from April 1992.Guarantees, undertakings and assurances in relation to monitoring and/or compensation were however given during the passage of the enabling legislation, the Severn Bridges Act 1992, to third parties who could be adversely affected by any pollution to the fresh water in the Great Spring that was attributed the construction of the new Severn Bridge. Such parties included British Rail, Welsh Water, NRA and Messrs Whitbreads.
§ Mr. RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guarantees or undertakings for compensation were given by the Government to(a) contractors, (b) companies and (c) consultants involved with the construction and use of the new Severn bridge crossing in respect of (i) pollution and (ii) future pollution to the supply of fresh water from the aquafissure Big Spring Severn tunnel for supply to industrial and commercial undertakings. [40142]
§ Mr. WattsThis is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
472WLetter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. William Ross, dated 2 November 1995:
As you know, John Watts has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport what monitoring is in place to ensure that any fracturing of the strata due to compressive forces, or from other causes, as a result of the construction of, and the subsequent use of the new Severn Bridge is brought to (a) his Department's and (b) public attention; what investigations were undertaken prior to its construction to determine the risk of damage to underlying strata and fresh water resources; and what indemnity has been agreed to cover any such damage and for the Government to undertake corrective measures.Monitoring systems are in place to monitor the effects of the new bridge on both the Severn Rail Tunnel and the Great Spring. These are provided by Severn River Crossing (SRC) Plc under the terms of the Concession Agreement. The regular and frequent results of the monitoring exercise are provided to all parties concerned including their Government Agent on behalf of the Secretary of State. There are no specific arrangements to bring the results of the monitoring to the attention of the public.The Government commissioned consultants to report on the risks and likelihood of damage to the Great Spring prior to the project being put out to tender. The Consultant's view that the risks would be minimal was accepted.It would be for SRC to take corrective action should any damage occur as a result of a breach of their obligations under the Concession Agreement. The Concessionaire is required to hold the Secretary of State fully protected and indemnified in respect of any such damage.If no breach was involved then the onus and cost would fall on the Government.