HC Deb 23 July 1987 vol 120 cc288-9W
Mr. Jack

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if any decision has been reached concerning proposals to remove the independent authority of the consulting engineer in his Department's highways work contracts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

Having carefully considered the comments and views of all concerned I have decided to introduce on a trial basis new arrangements which modify the position of the consultant engineer in any motorway and trunk road contracts. The aim of these changes is to strengthen the Department's control over the projects within its responsibility and the large public expenditure involved.

Under the new arrangements consulting engineers will continue to be retained to design and supervise construction; but the position of the consultant engineer will be modified so that in the contracts to which the new arrangements will apply he loses the independent role of the engineer as defined in the Institution of Civil Engineers' conditions of contract. Instead, he will act in the role of adviser and agent of the Department. The changes will be effected by appropriate amendments to the institution's conditions of contract when used by the Department, and all matters which currently fall to the engineer to decide will in future fall to the Department.

These changes will be introduced gradually so as to avoid disruption of projects, and give opportunity for monitoring the effects. I intend to start with three or four schemes in the next 12 months and then, in the light of experience to extend the changes more widely.

These changes should be seen as one of a variety of measures being taken to strengthen control over highway projects and ensure value for money. They should not in any way be seen as a reflection on the capability of the civil engineering profession which has made a major contribution to British exports and enjoys a justifiably high reputation both at home and overseas for the quality of its work. I look forward to the continuing co-operation of the profession in carrying forward the road programme in the years ahead.