HC Deb 27 June 1994 vol 245 cc429-30W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the result of the cost benefit analysis calculations for(a) the Swainswick and Batheaston bypass on its own and (b) the Swainswick and Batheaston bypass together with the road schemes connected to its northern and its eastern end;

(2) if he will list the financial years in which funds have been allocated for the road schemes connecting with (a) the northern end and (b) the eastern end of the Swainswick and Batheaston bypass.

Mr. Key

These questions are operational matters for the Highways Agency. The chief executive, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, will be writing to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 27 June 1994: I am writing in response to your two recent Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Transport about trunk road schemes near Bath. These are matters for which the Highways Agency is now responsible. The results of the cost benefit analyses for these schemes are as follows:

(a) A4/A46 Batheaston/Swainswick bypass
Net present value (low growth) £3.2 million
Net present value (high growth) £17.7 million
Benefit:Cost ratio 1.32:1
(b) A46 Upper Swainswick—M4 Tormarton improvements
Net present value (low growth) £13.1 million
Net present value (high growth £42.2 million
Benefit:Cost ratio 2.78 :1
(c) A36 Beckington—East of Bath improvement
Net present value (low growth) £4.3 million
Net present value (high growth) £42.2 million
Benefit:Cost ratio 1.60: 1

The results are dependent on future economic growth and figures are given separately for low and high growth, which are equally likely scenarios. The benefit to cost ratio is an average which is a useful indicator of returns from investments.Calculations have not been carried out for all the schemes together. There could be additional benefits with the completion of all three schemes, but each is justified in its own right in any event.We are at a comparatively early stage in the development of the A46 Upper Swainswick—M4 Tormarton Improvements and the A36 Beckington—East of Bath Improvement. They are still subject to the successful completion of statutory procedures. Apart from the costs of preparation, funds have not been allocated at this stage. The claims of these schemes on our limited rsources will be assessed against other competing demands at the relevant time.