Member

We are going into it without the slightest idea what it might cost. I have already expressed my experience of what is presently happening to construction costs in London. I am not quite clear how the original cost figure was arrived at. I have seen a figure of £139 million somewhere. I do not know where on earth it came from, how long ago it was done and what authority there is for citing it, but I invite anyone to join me in wagering that there is not the slightest chance that it will be met in the present climate. It is not at all clear, given the present political tensions that exist around this matter, that anything other than an extraordinarily bigger figure will be involved. Will the Minister confirm that, at the moment, the Government have no idea what it might cost and that they will seek tenders, as he said, and then, at some stage, confirm what the situation is?