asked the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department acquired No. 86 Church Manorway, London S.E.2, in connection with the proposed east London river crossing; how long it has been empty; and when it is expected to be occupied.

This property was acquired by the Department on 26 April 1985 with vacant possession. It was let on a short term lease to Greenwich borough council as from 17 June 1985. The question of occupancy is therefore a matter for it.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will delay the public inquiry into the proposed east London river crossing to enable it to consider the report of the engineering study on an additional river crossing at Dartford.

No. The east London river crossing is urgently needed irrespective of the river crossing capacity at Dartford.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the most recent assessment of the volumes of traffic likely to use the east London river crossing (a) with the existing Dartford tunnel capacity and (b)with an additional river crossing in use at Dartford.

The most recent assessment indicates that, in the year 2001, two-way morning peak flows across the east London river crossing Thames bridge would be between 5,600 and 6,600 vehicles per hour with the existing Dartford tunnel capacity and toll arrangements, and between 5,200 and 6,200 vehicles per hour if an additional tunnel were provided at Dartford and no tolls were charged.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest estimate of the total cost of the proposed east London river crossing including individual figures for (a) property acquisition, (b) bridge building and (c) road construction.

A breakdown of the total cost of £168 million in 1984 prices was given in the statement of reasons published on 9 July which was sent to the hon. Member. Taking account of updating and estimates for preparation and supervision, the figures are as follows: