Mr. John P. SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will require that local companies and jobs will be given priority when considering supply and service contracts for the John Laing-GTM second Severn crossing joint venture.
§ Mr. ChopeThe concession company for the second Severn crossing scheme will be required to comply with the normal competitive rules for sub-contracting. It will not therefore be allowed to discriminate on the grounds of nationality or location in its selection of sub-contractors. But I hope that local firms and individuals will bid for the work.