§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give details of the consultants referred to in his answer of 24 June, Official Report, c. 169, to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr, about hairline cracks in repaired bearing plinths of the Midland link motorways; and if they will be reporting to his Department or the West Midlands county council as his agent.
§ Mrs. ChalkerMessrs. W. S. Atkins and Partners will undertake this study, reporting direct to my Department.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if any new bearing plinth replacement contracts are out to tender in respect of the Midland link motorways; and what arrangements have been made for supervision of any such contracts.
§ Mrs. ChalkerOne contract in respect of bearing plinth repairs on part of Bromford viaduct is currently out to tender and tender invitations on a second contract are due to be sent out before the end of this month. Both these contracts fall to be handled by West Midlands county council under the present agency arrangements which includes supervision.
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§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has yet made a decision about the agency agreement in respect of the Midland link motorways: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThis question is still being considered carefully.