§ Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will(a) list the number of private companies and agencies consulted by the Highways Agency for advice and information to date in connection with the agency's proposed Al Gateshead western bypass and (b) give the total cost of the amounts paid by the agency to private companies and agencies. [15193]
718W
§ Mr. WattsThe Highways Agency contracted preparation work on the bypass to one firm of design consultants. The consultant has obtained specialist advice about matters concerning geology, archaeology, ecology, landscaping and agriculture from a number of firms.
The total cost of preparatory work to date is £3.3 million, excluding VAT.