HC Deb 20 March 1990 vol 169 c537W
Mr. Cartwright

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many residential properties his Department has so far acquired in connection with the east London river crossing; how many are currently in use; and how many more will need to be acquired before construction can be started.

Mr. Atkins

[holding answer 19 March 1990]: By 14 March 1990, the Department had acquired 111 residential properties in connection with the east London river crossing scheme. Of these 102 are currently let to local councils, housing associations and individual tenants. The Department is in the process of acquiring a further 11 properties. Another 150 will need to be acquired to enable construction of the scheme to start.

Mr. Cartwright

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the most up-to-date estimates of the cost of the east London river crossing for each of the individual elements of the project.

Mr. Atkins

[holding answer 19 March 1990]: The latest estimate of the total cost of the scheme at average 1984 prices is approximately £195 million, of which the Thames bridge would cost approximately £62 million. When converted to mid-1989 prices the estimates become £300 million and £98 million respectively.

Mr. Cartwright

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest anticipated starting date for the construction of the east London river crossing.

Mr. Atkins

[holding answer 19 March 1990]: Assuming the remaining statutory procedures are completed satisfactorily and without undue delay, construction could start in autumn 1992.

Mr. Cartwright

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the second public inquiry into the east London river crossing to be opened; and how long he anticipates it will last.

Mr. Atkins

[holding answer 19 March 1990]: The public inquiries into the proposed design changes to the section of the east London river crossing between the A13 and A2016, including the proposed changes in the design of the Thames bridge, are planned to begin on 3 July 1990. The inspector plans to hold two pre-inquiry meetings in April and May to consider procedural and other arrangements for the inquiries. It would not be appropriate for me to speculate how long the inquiries will last.