§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates are available to him concerning the cost of the proposed east London river crossing for each of the following specifications: (a) four-lane suspension bridge, (b) six-lane suspension bridge, (c) dual tunnels of two lanes each and (d) dual tunnels of three lanes each; and if he will make a statement concerning the respective merits of bridge and tunnels at this site.
§ Mr. ChannonThe estimates as presented to the public inquiry, updated to June 1987 prices, are
Cable stayed bridge, dual two-lane with wide hard margins (which could be marked out as three lanes)—£69.75 million including preparation and supervision.Dual two-lane tunnel—£85.4 million including preparation and supervision. No estimates have been made of the cost of a full dual three-lane bridge or dual three-lane tunnel.Until we have received the inspector's report, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the 755W Environment and I have considered the recommendations, it would not be proper for me to comment on the respective merits of a bridge or tunnel at this site.