§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport which firm of private detectives is employed by the Highways Agency to monitor the Batheaston bypass; if he will give details of the value, period and purpose of the contract; and what guidelines and instructions have been given to the firm by the Highways Agency.
§ Mr. Key[holding answer 28 June 1994]: The question is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. The chief executive, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, is writing to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Don Foster, dated 30 June 1994:
I am writing in response to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Transport about the use of a firm of private detectives to monitor the Batheaston/Swainswick Bypass. This is a matter for which the Highways Agency is responsible.Brays Detective Agency has been appointed by solicitors engaged by the Highways Agency. The appointment will last only as long as the firm's services are required, so its cost and duration are not known at present. The firm is being employed at Batheaston in connection with possible legal action to gain control of the land on which this much needed bypass is being built. Their instructions are to record and collate evidence relating to trespass on the construction site, so that such evidence may be presented in legal proceedings if required.