§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many samples of (a) original bearing plinth material, (b) original shims and (c) original grease from bearing plates were taken before completion of the replacement programme at Gravelly Hill viaduct on the Midland]ink motorway; how many samples have been tested; and with what result.
§ Mrs. Chalker[pursuant to her reply, 27 May 1982, c.411]: The information on samples and tests of materials from the Gravelly Hill viaduct is given in the table.
Large numbers of samples were taken, at very little cost, as a precautionary measure while repair work was being carried out at Gravelly Hill and elsewhere on the Midland links. In the event only a comparatively small number of tests has so far proved necessary; more will be made if the need arises.
Description of Sample Number of Samples Taken Number of Samples Tested Results Original bearing plinth material, samples taken during temporary repair work †1,800 *4 Lower cement content than specified Original bearing plinth material, samples taken during repair contract 101 0 — Original shims, in sets from beneath bearing 40 0 — Original grease from between bearing plates 14 13 Final results not yet available * Altogether 82 samples of this type have been tested. † Approximately.