§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Transport what repair and renovation works of the road surfaces and supporting structures are currently planned to be carried out, when and at what cost, to junction 6 of the M6.
§ Mrs. ChalkerA contract for the installation of gutters beneath deck joints on a length of M6 including junction 6 is currently in progress; the total cost is estimated at £350,000. This contract will be followed by one to
Operator Number of tests Initial passes Per cent. Additional passes after rectification of minor defects Per cent. Fails Per cent. 1982–83 Private 28,353 14,938 53 4,108 14 9,307 33 NBC 14,843 7,740 52 4,640 31 2,463 17 1983–84 Private 28,634 16,040 56 3,828 13 8,766 31 NBC 14,173 8,509 60 3,973 28 1,691 12 The initial pass/fail rates for private operators' vehicles are similar to those for the NBC. An operator is permitted to carry out on the spot repairs on a vehicle which has failed for minor reasons. The vehicle is then given a "pass after rectification". The "pass after rectification" facility favours the larger operators, many of whose vehicles are tested on their own premises. Operators whose vehicles are not tested at their own premises—notably private
26Wimprove the quality of the joints themselves where they cross verges or central reserve and where gutters are impractical. As these contracts are for more than one viaduct costs are not identifiable to junction 6 alone.
§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) on what date the latest report on structural damage or defects on junction 6 of the M6 was submitted to his Department; what works are contemplated when and at what cost as a result of any such report; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) what recent indications of damage to seams or joints, or other suspected structural defects, have been found on junction 6 of the M6; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI must ask the hon. Member to await the promised interim report on the Midlands links viaducts which I shall shortly be placing in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason traffic on junction 6 of the M6 was at a standstill at about noon on Monday 8 July; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerA major accident involving three articulated tanker vehicles occurred near Bescott at 11.20 a.m. on that day. The northbound carriageway was completely blocked and the southbound carriageway had to be closed until danger of an explosion had passed. The queue of northbound traffic extended back to junction 6. Diversions were introduced as soon as possible and the carriageways were reopened southbound at 12.15 p.m. and northbound at 5.15 p.m. I commend the police and emergency services for their prompt action and efficiency in these difficult circumstances.