§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) on what date his Department decided to remove the newly laid surface on the A477 between Radberth and Sageston; [15151]
(2) what investigations were carried out by, or on behalf of, his Department into the quality of the surface laid in 1995 on the A477 between Radberth and Sageston; and when the decision was taken to carry out an investigation; [15152]
(3) how many personal injury accidents occurred on the A477 between Radberth and Sageston following (a) the resurfacing in 1995 and (b) its removal in 1996; and if he will list the dates of those accidents and the injuries sustained; [15153]
(4) what was the cost of resurfacing the A477 between Radberth and Sageston in 1995; and what is the estimated cost of the removal of that surface and its replacement in 1996. [15154]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesTesting of the materials used in the resurfacing and testing of the new surface for skidding resistance and irregularity took place during the contract in April 1995, as is normal practice, and on three subsequent occasions. The resurfacing carried out in 1995 cost £57,000 and due to defects it was decided on 16 January to replace it. The estimated cost of removal and reinstatement, including the additional work now considered necessary, is £88,000. Discussions on the apportionment of costs are being fully pursued. Following 607W the resurfacing in 1995, there were two accidents—one on July 9 resulting in slight injury to one person, and one on October 24 resulting in the driver of a car receiving fatal injuries and a passenger receiving serious injuries. There have been no accidents since the surface was removed.