§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the value of the public sector cost comparator for the Dartford river crossing(a) before and (b) after adjustment for risk transfer considerations; and on what dates these figures were first calculated. [4547]
§ Mr. Bowis[holding answer 18 November 1996]I have asked the chief executive of Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. D. N. Campbell-Savours, dated 19 November 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about the value of the public sector comparator for the Dartford River Crossing.A separate public sector comparator was not necessary in this case because bids to design, build, finance and operate the new Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and to operate and maintain the existing Dartford Tunnels were invited on the basis of both public and private procurement methods.