HC Deb 07 November 1995 vol 265 cc761-2W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contracts have been let to carry out preliminary works for the construction of the A34 Newbury bypass. [40555]

Mr. Watts

This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Cynog Dafis, dated 7 November 1995: As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport, what contracts have been let to carry out preliminary works for the construction of the A34 Newbury Bypass. We have let a contract which has been completed for the demolition of the properties needed for the scheme and plan to let a contract in the next few weeks for advance site clearance. This work will take place before the main works begin next year.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what examination he has made of the Highways Agency's detailed cost-benefit analysis of the Newbury bypass; and if he will make a statement on the estimated economic benefit of this road. [40554]

Mr. Watts

The cost-benefit analysis prepared for the schemes progress through the statutory procedures was considered by the then Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Southend, West, (Mr. Channon) when he considered the public inquiry inspector's report in February 1989. He accepted the inspectors' recommendation that the scheme should proceed. The Highways Agency study looked again at the economic evaluation and this was considered as part of the whole report by the then Secretary of State, my right hon.Friend the Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney) when he decided that the scheme should proceed. This decision is supported fully by my right hon. Friend the current Secretary of State. The net present value of the benefits of the scheme, at current prices, range between £124.8 million on low traffic growth assumptions and £285.6 million assuming high growth.

Mr. Rendel

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) on what date he expects the tender documents for the Newbury bypass to be sent out to contractors; [41954]

(2) what has caused the delay in the issue of Newbury bypass tender documents to contractors beyond the end date expected in August; [41958]

(3) on what date he now expects the construction of the Newbury bypass to commence; [41956]

(4) by what date he now expects the Newbury bypass to be completed; [41957]

(5) by what date he now expects the tendering process for the Newbury bypass to be completed. [41955]

Mr. Watts

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State confirmed on 11 October that the Newbury bypass will go ahead.

We are aiming to complete the tendering process in order to meet that commitment. Work will start as soon as possible in 1996 and we would anticipate that construction would be completed some two or so years after award of contract.

Following upon the previous Secretary of State's decision to go ahead with the bypass, work has continued to complete EC procedures for competition and bring the tender documents up to date. There has been no undue delay. The Highways Agency has moved as quickly as possible. We currently expect tenders to be invited within a few weeks.