§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Greater London Council during the past three months about progress on the construction of the Thames flood barrier; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangNo discussions have taken place at ministerial level. Officials have, however, maintained the virtually continuous contact which is an integral part of the arrangements between my Department and the Greater London Council. The contacts cover all levels, technical and administrative, and include regular meetings as well as discussions on specific issues as they arise.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his latest estimate of the costs of (a) the construction of the Thames flood barrier, and (b) the associated strengthening of the river walls; and how these compare with the original estimates.
§ Mr. StrangThe estimated costs at December 1976 prices compared with the original estimates given in December 1973 are as follows:
December 1973 million December 1976 million (a) Thames Barrier £88 £213 (b) Associated strengthening of the river walls £143 £234