§ Mr. Weetchasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether, because of financial difficulties, Stevin Construction has approached his Department with an increased price for the building of the Orwell bridge; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) whether he is satisfied with the method of scrutiny adopted by his Department for the examination of tenders for major bridge building projects; and whether he will make a statement;
(3) whether there will be any delay to the building of the Orwell bridge as a result of the financial difficulties experienced by Stevin Construction, which was awarded the contract by his Department;
(4) whether he will hold an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the award of the Orwell bridge contract to Stevin Construction by his Department; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIn discussion with the Department Stevin has explained its financial difficulties but it has been made clear that there is no question of altering the terms of the contract on which work is proceeding satifactorily. No delay in completion is foreseen. I am not aware of any ground for the inquiry the hon. Member proposes. Tenderers were selected on the basis of their experience of major civil engineering projects, bridges and marine engineering. The contract was awarded on the normal basis of the lowest acceptable tender.