§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in relation to the Thames barrier, what was (i) the length of time between the final grant of planning permission and the coming into full-scale operation of the barrier; (ii) the estimate either made by his Department, assessed by his Department, or made available to his Department, at the time of the final grant of planning permission and (iii) the cost of construction estimated by his Department, assessed by his cost of construction, including all associated costs; (iv) actual cost of construction converted into constant prices at a convenient date close to the final grant of planning permission and (v) the cost of construction estimated by his Department, assessed by his Department, or made available to his Department, at the time of the final grant of planning permission.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have been asked to reply. The information is as follows
- (i) Planning permission was not necessary for the Construction of the Thames barrier — exemption was granted in the Thames Barrier and Flood Prevention Act 1972. The period between this enactment and operation of the Barrier was 10 years and two months.
- (ii) The estimate of the length of this period at the time of enactment was five to six years.
- (iii) Some work remains to be completed. It is estimated that the final cost will be about £450 million.
- (iv) At December 1973 prices the estimated final cost would be about £170 million.
- (v) The estimated cost of construction in December 1973 was £88 million. However, designs were not fully complete at the time that estimate was made.
§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has prepared an analysis of the difference in cost of the Thames barrier between that estimated at the time of the final grant of planning permission and outcome.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have been asked to reply. No.
§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has prepared an analysis of the difference in construction time of the Thames barrier between that estimated at the time of the final grant of planning permission, and outcome.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have been asked to reply. No.
§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has available to it any analysis prepared by the former Greater London Council, or any department thereof, of the difference in cost of the Thames barrier between that estimated at the time of the final grant of planning permission, and outcome; and if he will place a copy of such analysis in the Library.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have been asked to reply. No.
Mr. Stern asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has available to it any analysis prepared by the former Greater London council, 500W or any department thereof, of the difference in construction time of the Thames barrier between that estimated and the time of the final grant of planning permission, and outcome; and if he will place a copy of such analysis in the Library.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have been asked to reply. No.