To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport (1) how many bids have been received to purchase the M25 tunnels and bridge crossings of the Thames; (314092)

The Department for Transport has not invited or received any expressions of interest or bids for the purchase of the Dartford Crossing.

As discussed in the Operational Efficiency Programme: Asset Portfolio published in December 2009, work to assess future capacity requirements and commercialisation options is ongoing.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what discussions he has had with (a) Essex county council and (b) Kent county council over the proposed sale of the M25 tunnels and bridge crossing of the Thames; if he will ensure that a proportion of the proceeds of any sale will be given to (a) Essex county council and the unitary authorities of Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea and (b) Kent county council; and if he will make a statement. (314093)

At this early stage no formal discussions have been held with Essex county council and Kent county council on this specific issue.