§ 63. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Transport how much of the increased cost of the M.6 is due to the difficulties encountered at Waltons Wood.
§ Mr. MarplesAbout £600,000.
§ 64. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Transport why the difficulties arising from unstable ground at Waltons Wood, encountered in the construction of the M.6, were not foreseen; and why a more thorough geological survey had not been undertaken.
§ Mr. MarplesBecause of the nature of the ground at Waltons Wood a more detailed soil survey than usual was made, including extra boreholes, and additional precautions were embodied in the motorway design. Difficulties during construction revealed the need for further detailed150W investigation and extra work, but it would be uneconomic to carry out investigations on this scale as a matter of routine during preliminary surveys.