§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will identify the climbing company contracted to clear tree-bound protestors from the route of the Newbury bypass; and what are the forecast payments to this company. [24792]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Mike Gapes, dated 16 April 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about the climbing company contracted to clear tree bound protestors from the route of the Newbury Bypass and the forecast costs of the work.I understand from the Deputy Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire that he has used expert climbers from two companies: Nathan & Company (Sheriffs Officers) Ltd and Richard Turner Ltd.We expect the cost to be around £600,000 in total.