Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government when the current work on the A1's Wentbridge Viaduct started, and when they expect traffic flows to return to normal.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The original estimate for the Wentbridge Viaduct was £5,403,583, however, at present the expected cost for the works is £16,079,669. The change in costs is due to significant change of scope as additional essential repairs were identified, including but not limited to reconstruction of both deck ends, extensive renewal of drainage throughout the structure, replacement of the Vehicle Restraint System foundation plinths, repairs to the underslung hanger walkway, repairs to deck haunches and concrete repairs to the abutments, all of which were not known nor could have been identified until the existing bridge deck was exposed.

National Highways began the enabling works and upgrading Jacksons Lane on 24 February 2023 but the main works on the carriageway commenced on 11 April 2023 with an expected completion date of September 2023. The current expected completion at Wentbridge Viaduct is Spring 2025. This is in part due to the decision to bring forward the Wentedge road bridge works originally planned to be undertaken in 2026 so that they can be completed at the same time due to the proximity of the two structures, and this will minimise long term disruption while ensuring that both works are completed efficiently. Works to both structures is now expected to be completed by August 2025.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what was the original estimate for the cost of the current repair works to the Wentbridge Viaduct on the A1; and what they expect the final cost to be.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The original estimate for the Wentbridge Viaduct was £5,403,583, however, at present the expected cost for the works is £16,079,669. The change in costs is due to significant change of scope as additional essential repairs were identified, including but not limited to reconstruction of both deck ends, extensive renewal of drainage throughout the structure, replacement of the Vehicle Restraint System foundation plinths, repairs to the underslung hanger walkway, repairs to deck haunches and concrete repairs to the abutments, all of which were not known nor could have been identified until the existing bridge deck was exposed.

National Highways began the enabling works and upgrading Jacksons Lane on 24 February 2023 but the main works on the carriageway commenced on 11 April 2023 with an expected completion date of September 2023. The current expected completion at Wentbridge Viaduct is Spring 2025. This is in part due to the decision to bring forward the Wentedge road bridge works originally planned to be undertaken in 2026 so that they can be completed at the same time due to the proximity of the two structures, and this will minimise long term disruption while ensuring that both works are completed efficiently. Works to both structures is now expected to be completed by August 2025.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government which further education establishments in England provide courses which include instruction in the construction of tunnels for the use of railway or road traffic.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Education)

It is for providers to determine what courses to deliver based on employer and learner demand. Statistics are published on sector subject area, which can be accessed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/further-education-and-skills. The department does not hold information on which institutions are providing provision covering the construction of tunnels for the use of railway or road traffic.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many Ministers do not receive a ministerial salary sitting in (1) the House of Commons, and (2) the House of Lords; and how many of these are beyond the scope of the statutory limitation on the maximum number of Ministers who may be paid ministerial salaries.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

A list of all government ministers is on gov.uk at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers. This details whether ministers are paid or unpaid.

The Ministerial and other Salaries Act 1975 sets a statutory limit on the number of ministerial salaries of 109. There are currently 108 paid ministers, 1 minister paid by the Labour Party, and 10 unpaid ministers.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether current or proposed guidance to Ministers on accepting gifts or entertainment applies to Ministers who are not in receipt of ministerial salaries.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Guiding principles for ministers on accepting gifts and hospitality are set out in the Ministerial Code. The Code applies to all government ministers.