§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 27 January 1999,Official Report, column 252, if he will require from the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency an explanation for the cause of the delays and cost arrears in respect of the Whipps Cross-Redbridge Relief Road; and if he will publish this explanation. [70070]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from John Kerman to Mr. David Amess, dated 11 February 1999:
The Minister for Transport in London has asked Lawrie Haynes, the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about Contract 4 of the A12 Hackney to M11 Link Road. I am replying in his absence from the office.
The start on this contract was initially delayed by protest action and, as I said in my last letter, the procurement and installation of additional specialist mechanical and electrical equipment has proved difficult.
The increase in costs is due to protester action and increases in statutory undertakers costs. The additional mechanical and electrical works required for the safe operation of the George Green tunnel also cost more than originally anticipated.