§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will initiate feasibility studies concerning methods for routine maintenance and renewal of the south bound bore of the Blackwall tunnel that can be used(a) maintaining a single line of traffic and (b) requiring a complete closure to traffic during the night hours at weekends, in a manner unlikely to precipitate significant congestion in east London.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 14 October 1991]: Following my visit to the Blackwall tunnel last month the Department, together with the London borough of Greenwich, have reviewed the programme of annual maintenance closures for the southbound tunnel. A revised programme has been drawn up, which will allow for a number of night time closures over a period rather than the present method of closing the tunnel for three weekends. We are hopeful that this programme can be implemented and details are now being finalised.