§ Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is aware of the public concern following the slip in the east road end of the Crindau Tunnel at Newport resulting in a further setback to the completion date; what steps he is taking to remedy the situation, in view of the imminent opening of the Severn Bridge; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware of the slip at the east end of the Crindau Tunnel on the Newport by-pass, which has caused five families to be evacuated; what is being done to prevent a recurrence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesA rockfall on 26th May in the eastern end of the westbound tunnel led to subsidence. Although no serious damage had yet occurred, it248W was considered advisable to provide alternative accommodation for the occupants of six houses until the tunnelling operations are completed.
The Government have offered either to purchase the houses at market value or to repair or pay compensation for all damage done. The owners will also be compensated for disturbance which will include the additional expenses necessarily incurred while occupying temporary alternative accommodation and storing their furniture.
The geological difficulties are appreciated and appropriate working methods have been adopted. Completion of the tunnel involves virtually no risk to any other property.
The delay caused by the fall was largely made up by working over Whitsun but, because of earlier difficulties, the whole of the by-pass is not now expected to be ready until next spring, although some stretches of it should be in use this autumn.