§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he remains satisfied that the recent industrial dispute will not prevent the Thames flood barrier being operational in December 1982; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerI am advised by the Greater London council, which is responsible for the construction of the barrier, that the recent industrial dispute was very limited and was quickly resolved and that it has not affected present progress towards the Thames barrier becoming operational by December 1982.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his latest estimate of the costs of the Thames flood barrier and the associated river defence works; and how this compares with the previous estimate and the original estimate.
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§ Mrs. FennerThe estimated costs at June 1981, the previous estimates at September 1980, and the original estimates made in December 1973 are as follows:
December 1973 £ million September 1980 £ million June 1981 £ million (a) Thames barrier 88 421 441 (b) Associated river defence works 143 274 275