§ Mr. Robert Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total contractual value of the specific contracts awarded to W. & C. French (Construction) Ltd. for which it has subsequently been necessary to provide loans and ex gratia payments totalling £14 million.
§ Dr. GilbertThe total contractual value cannot be determined until the contracts have been completed and final accounts agreed. The total value at the time of tender was about £87 million.
§ Mr. Robert Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any ex gratia payments or loans under the Highways Act 1959 other than those to W. & C. French (Construction) Ltd. are under consideration at the present time; and if so what is the maximum possible liability to public funds.
§ Dr. GilbertA number of requests for assistance are currently under consideration, but I cannot assess the amount, 567W if any, of any grants or loans which may be made.