§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what are the costs per day of security staff and other security measures employed at the Newbury bypass site; [9345]
(2) what estimate he has made of the likely delay caused by action directed to prevent the building of the Newbury bypass; [9346]
(3) if Her Majesty's Government will now carry out a new cost benefit analysis of the Newbury bypass. [9344]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 22 January 1996:
As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking the Secretary of State for Transport, what are the costs per day of security staff and other security measures employed at the Newbury Bypass; if the Government will now carry out a new cost benefit analysis of the bypass; and what estimate has he made of the likely delay caused by action directed to prevent the building of the bypass.There are no figures available for security costs at this early stage; costs will in any event vary from day to day.The economic evaluation shows the western bypass to be very good value for money. We will not be carrying out another COBA.We do not expect the protest action to delay the scheme significantly. The target for completion is Summer 1998.
§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 16 January,Official Report, columns 500–01, on what date compensation was first paid under the Newbury bypass compulsory purchase order; how much compensation has been paid to date; what negotiations with landowners are expected to be concluded; and what is the estimated total amount of compensation to be paid under the order. [10650]
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 19 January 1996]: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
25WLetter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Stephen Byers, dated 22 January 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about the A34 Newbury Bypass.The first payment of compensation for land compulsorily acquired for the Newbury Bypass was made on 17 May 1994. To date the Agency has paid just over £1.2m compensation from an estimated total land expenditure figure of £8.25m.It is impossible to predict with any certainty when all land compensation negotiations will be concluded. Many claimants prefer to wait until the road is built and operational before submitting their claims for disturbance and injurious affection.