§ Mr. LeggTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider the merits of the complete privatisation of free—standing or potentially freestanding projects, with special reference to the second Severn Valley bridge. [18843]
§ Mr. WattsWe are always willing to consider the scope for new projects to be taken forward entirely within the private sector. The second Severn crossing however is subject to both legislative and contractual arrangements which we do not intend to amend.