§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will publish the text of penalty clauses included in contracts between Trafalgar House and the Government regarding the Birmingham northern relief road;
(2) what penalty clauses would be brought into force by (a) a decision to withdraw Government support for the Birmingham northern relief road and (b) a decision to oppose the road; and what would be the cost to the Government.
§ Mr. WattsThe concession agreement between the Department and Midland Expressway Ltd. is commercially confidential. Provisions for early termination of the concession by either parties are contained in the agreement.
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Government will meet the cost of blight to homes or businesses as a result of the construction of the Birmingham northern relief road.
§ Mr. WattsPayments for land compensation, including those relating to blight, are made by the Department in the normal way. The concession agreement provides for Midland Expressway Ltd. to reimburse the Department.