§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the present total estimated cost for the construction of the Newbury bypass; [12733]
(2) when he expects the Highways Agency to publish details of the cost-benefit analysis carried out in respect of the Newbury bypass; [12747]
(3) what actions the Highways Agency has taken to ensure that security personnel employed by contractors clearing the route of the Newbury bypass have adequate training. [12746]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Cynog Dafis, dated 1 February 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent questions about the Newbury Bypass.Reliance Security Services, the security firm employed on the Newbury Bypass scheme, are employed directly by the site clearance contractor. It is a requirement of the Highways Agency that all sub-contracted security companies are members of the British Security Industry Association and that they conform to British Standard 7499 covering static guards and mobile patrols.844WThe cost benefit analysis for the scheme was presented to the Public Inquiries held in 1988. That analysis showed the scheme to be very good value for money, that is still the case. The total estimated cost of the scheme is £101 million, excluding VAT.