§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Minister of Transport, in the light of the concern being expressed by the construction industry about delays in the settlement of claims by the South East Road Construction Unit in respect of motorway works on the M11 at Cambridge, the M25 God stone to Westerham section and on the M25 Egham, if he will investigate ways of speeding up settlements.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeUnder the Institution of Civil Engineers' conditions of contract, the engineer is independently responsible for certifying payments and it is for the contractor to provide full and detailed particulars to enable the engineer to determine any amount due. This gives the Department no direct control over the rate of settlement of any individual claim which depends on the contractor providing particulars to satisfy the engineer. The Department pays promptly all sums for which the engineer has issued certificates. Nevertheless, ways of speeding up settlements are being explored.