§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware of the further subsidence in the Brynglas Tunnel at Newport; if he will take steps to prevent a recurrence; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe only falls since the major subsidence at the end of May have been of manageable proportions and have not endangered persons or property in Brynglas Avenue. The lining of both tunnels should be complete in a matter of weeks and further subsidence should not then occur.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware that the decision to take the by-pass through the Brynglas Hill at Newport was unwise; and what tests borings were made to discover information on the rock formations before operations commenced.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesNo. Several alternatives were fully investigated before the decision was taken, and the unexpected difficulties and cost involved in constructing the tunnels through the hill do not outweigh the disadvantages of the alternatives. A large number of trial borings were taken before construction work began but the geological faults are of a type which would not be revealed by conventional boring methods. More extensive investigations were impossible because of the built-up nature of the hill.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales, if he is aware that damage has appeared in houses at Brynglas Hill, Newport, since the Whitsun subsidence, despite surveyor's assurances at that time that properties were in a satisfactory condition; and what steps he is taking to ascertain whether this damage is a direct result of tunnelling.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesI am aware of some further deterioration in the condition of the houses, but any damage resulting from the tunnelling under the houses will be made good. Schedules of condition have been taken for this purpose and these will be revised at the conclusion of the works.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware of the concern and hardship caused to the tenants of Brynglas Hill, Newport, through a lack of information being given to them about the effect of tunnel operations under their houses; and if he will ensure that they are given sufficient information in the future.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesMy Department has always been most anxious to366W give as much information as possible to people affected by these operations and has taken appropriate steps, through meetings and correspondence, to achieve this. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind perhaps he would let me have details.