Lib Dems welcome Thames Gateway Bridge Inquiry Inspector Change - Toole (Greenwich Borough Liberal Democrats)

Greenwich Borough Liberal Democrats <mail@greenwich-libdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems welcome Thames Gateway Bridge Inquiry Inspector Change - Toole

April 12, 2005 10:00 PM

Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, John Thurso (right)(Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross), discussing his letter to John Prescott with Dr Steven Toole, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Erith and Thamesmead

The Planning Inspectorate this afternoon issued a statement in which they announced that following the pre-inquiry meeting of last week (Monday 4th April), Mr Robert Barker has been relieved of his duties and is no longer the 'lead inspector' for the inquiry due to a 'conflict of interest' that came to light only at that meeting. Mr Barker revealed at the start of the meeting that he had worked for Halcrow, a company which has worked extensively on the plans for the Bridge. A new inspector is yet to be appointed, and the Inspectorate has decided not to postpone the start of the Inquiry.

Liberal Democrat Transport Shadow Secretary, John Thurso (MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) last week lent his support to Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidates in East and South East London, writing to John Prescott calling for the inquiry to be postponed and for information to be supplied, under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act, for the reasons behind the selection of Mr Robert Barker.

Dave Raval, parliamentary candidate for Bexleyheath and Crayford, who was present on behalf of the Liberal Democrats at the Pre-Inquiry meeting last week, speaking on behalf of the seven parliamentary candidates said: "The announcement this afternoon however poses more questions than answers though, given the potential conflict of interest, we welcome the removal of Mr Barker from the inquiry process."

Dr Steven Toole, Parliamentary Candidate for Erith and Thamesmead, said: "The fact that a new inspector is not yet appointed, and will then need time to be brought to speed on the issues, only strengthens the need for a postponement in the inquiry proper. We will be writing again to the Deputy Prime Minister calling for a postponement of the full inquiry."