§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated construction time required for the completion of the East London river crossing.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThree years.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether, in view of certain distribution difficulties, he will extend the closing date of 25 November for the receipt of questionnaires in connection with the East London river crossing;
(2) how many copies of his Department's brochure and questionnaire were distributed to homes in the area affected by the East London river crossing; and what further consultation is planned to ensure that public views are properly considered.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThere were 6,629 copies distributed to homes, shops and businesses, a series of exhibitions has been held in Plumstead, Beckton and Woolwich and there has been extensive coverage in the national and local press, television and local radio, combined with paid press advertisements and the display of posters outside borough offices and in shops. The next step will be to analyse the responses we receive. Questionnaires returned in time for that process will be considered even if received after the deadline of 25 November.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the estimated current costs of (a) bridge construction, (b) road construction, (c) the acquisition of housing and (d) the acquisition of other property in 104W connection with the proposed East London river crossing; and how these figures are expected to rise to take account of inflation by the time the project is actually completed.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe current estimate for the construction of all structures including bridges is £62 million of which £34 million is for the main bridge across the Thames. Road construction is expected to cost £26 million, including consequential statutory undertakers' works. Acquisition of housing and other property for the scheme has not at this stage been costed separately. The current estimate for land and property is £15 million. As for the future, I have no reason at the moment to suppose that the costs will rise out of line with general prices.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated reduction in the likely number of homes to be built at Thamesmead as a result of the decision to build a new bridge as part of the proposed East London river crossing.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNone.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the comparative estimated costs of a bridge and a tunnel at Thamesmead as part of the proposed East London river crossing.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe current estimates for a bridge and a tunnel are £34 million and £47 million respectively.