§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the original tender price for the A55 Conwy tunnel project; what is his current estimate of the final cost of the contract; and how much of any estimated increase in cost is due to matters other than price inflation provisions within the contract.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe tender price for the main contract for the A55 Conwy crossing project was £102 million. The final cost, excluding the price inflation provision within the contract, is of the order of £144.5 million. Most of the increase reflects the unforeseen circumstances encountered during the contruction of this large and complex scheme. Price inflation provision accounts for around a further £18 million.