HC Deb 06 November 1986 vol 103 c482W
Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when tenders were invited for the major contract for repair work on the Severn bridge and Wye bridge; what is the closing date for applications; when the work is likely to commence; and by what date it is expected that the work will be completed.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Tenders for the major strengthening contract for the Severn crossing were invited on 17 October 1986. The closing date for return of tenders is 9 February 1987.

Work is likely to begin in April-May 1987. The tender specifies the works are to be completed two years after the date of their commencement. This strengthening work will be followed by complete resurfacing of the crossing, which is expected to be spread over a further two years.

Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when tenders are to be invited for the building of a second Severn crossing.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Many detailed investigations and consultations still have to be carried out before construction tenders can be invited. It is too early to fix a date for inviting tenders. We wish to be in a position to provide the second Severn crossing by the mid-1990s, if the build-up of traffic needs it and Parliament so decides.

Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he proposes to ensure that local firms and local labour are fully utilised in the contract work (a) for the major repair work on the existing crossing over the Wye and Severn and (b) for the construction of a second Severn crossing.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

When tenders for any major road contract are invited, the Department issues notices in the technical press giving brief details of the nature of the works, to inform potential subcontractors or material suppliers. This is being done in the case of the major contract for strengthening the Severn crossing. It is too early to do this for the construction of the second Severn crossing. The final selection of subcontractors, labour, material suppliers and so on is a matter for the decision of the tenderers.