HC Deb 06 April 1978 vol 947 cc182-4W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has received from the Greater London Council for speeding up completion of the Thames flood barrier; and what additional costs are involved.

Mr. Strang

The Greater London Council has not yet submitted any proposals.

Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much of the costs of work on the Thames barrier associated ancillary works has been met by central Government, the Greater London Council and the river authorities, respectively.

Mr. Strang

Expenditure on work on the Thames barrier and associated works up to 31st December 1977 has been met as follows:

Barrier Associated works
£ million £ million
Exchequer grant 56 33
Greater London Council 26 5
Water authorities — 8

Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when it is expected that all ancillary work connected with the Thames barrier, downstream of the barrier, will be completed.

Mr. Strang

Under the present programme the downstream defences are scheduled for completion by the estimated date of completion of the barrier in late 1982.

Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the costs of work on the Thames barrier has been met by central Government, and what proportion by the Greater London Council.

Mr. Strang

The rate of Government grant payable to the Greater London Council in respect of the barrier was raised from 65 per cent. to 75 per cent. with effect from 1st April 1975.

Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what he attributes the rise in cost of both the Thames barrier and its associated ancillary works.

Mr. Strang

In the case of the barrier, about 85 per cent. of the increase in estimated cost given in my answer of 9th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Cartwright) is attributed to wage and price increases, and the remainder to changes in the programme and construction methods. Of the corresponding increase for the associated flood defences 91 per cent. is attributable to wage and price increases and the remainder to changed construction methods offset by design savings.—[Vol. 945, c. 747–8.]