HC Deb 27 July 2000 vol 354 c783W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the final cost of the M11 Link Road, separately identifying each consultant's fees relating to the M11 Link Road and indicating the purpose for which these were paid. [131687]

Mr. Hill

Responsibility for this scheme, together with the relevant papers, passed to Transport for London on 3 July.

This is a matter for Transport for London to decide on as the contracts and the consultant's duties are continuing. Until the final accounts for the main works contracts have been settled and the consultant's duties have been completed, it is not possible to give the final cost of fees. It would prejudice the ability to negotiate settlement of contracts if a detailed breakdown of estimated final cost is provided before the negotiations are complete. A detailed breakdown will be available when the final cost of the A12 Hackney to M11 Link Road is known.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the basis was for calculating the £15 million estimate for local compensation in relation to the M11 Link Road. [131688]

Mr. Hill

The estimate was made by the Highways Agency's professional adviser using the best information on land and property values available at the time. Responsibility for this scheme, together with the relevant papers, passed to Transport for London on 3 July.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures his Department has taken to ensure that there has not been unreasonable profit-taking in the last 12 months of contracts for the M11 Link Road; and if he will make a statement. [131689]

Mr. Hill

Under the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) Conditions of Contracts used on this scheme, the value of the works is determined by an independent engineer, not by the contractor. The Highways Agency's quantity Surveyor makes regular visits to the site offices to ensure the works are being valued in accordance with the contract. Responsibility for this scheme, together with the relevant papers passed to Transport for London on 3 July.