HC Deb 26 June 2002 vol 387 cc885-6W
Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what cost estimate his Department made of a new Thames river crossing from Cliffe Marshes in Kent to Canvey Island. [63797]

Mr. McNulty

I have been asked to reply.

There are no proposals with detailed cost estimates at this time for a new Thames crossing between Cliffe Marshes and Canvey Island that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is considering.

Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to consult local hon. Members, local councils and Essex county council on the possibility of a new Thames river crossing. [63792]

Mr. McNulty

I have been asked to reply.

Consultation with local hon. Members and local councils, including Essex county council, is currently taking place in relation to the Government's London Orbital multi modal study (Orbit). Consultants published a provisional strategy for Orbit on 11 June 2002. This includes recommendations for further work on a lower Thames crossing. Details of the provisional strategy are included in an Orbit newsletter sent out to 3,000 key stakeholders in June. The content of the provisional strategy has not been formally considered by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister or his officials at this time.

Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings, and on what dates, his Department(a) has had and (b) are planned with the Thames Gateway South Essex on a possible new Thames crossing; and what the agenda for these meetings was. [63796]

Mr. McNulty

I have been asked to reply.

The Department has not had any meetings with the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership about this specific issue. Furthermore no such meetings are planned at this time.

Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Thames Gateway South Essex on possible new Thames river crossings. [63795]

Mr. McNulty

I have been asked to reply.

No discussions about this specific issue have taken place with the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership.

Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what options he has discussed for a new Thames river crossing to the east of the existing crossing at Dartford. [63794]

Mr. McNulty

I have been asked to reply.

There are no proposals at this time for a new Thames river crossing east of the existing crossing at Dartford that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is considering.