SNP accused of '£30m bribe' to bridge construction firms

LABOUR has attacked the Scottish Government over plans repay tendering costs to firms if the new Forth road bridge does not go ahead.

The Scottish Parliament's finance committee was asked to agree that the firms eventually shortlisted for the main £1.1 billion contract could claim up to £10m each if the project fell through.

But Labour finance spokesman David Whitton claimed the government was effectively "bribing" companies to tender for the new crossing.

He said: "Why on earth should the parliament be forking out what could be £30 million if you've got three bidders for a project like this, especially when we're being told we've got less money to spend?"

And it emerged during the committee's discussion that unsuccessful bidders could be refunded up to £5m each – even if the bridge does go ahead.

Now the committee is to ask Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson for further clarification.

Mr Whitton said: "Scottish tax payers are effectively being asked to fork out tens of millions of pounds because big business doesn't trust the SNP to deliver this project. The Transport Minister must come before the committee and explain himself.

"Officials told us the construction firms would be reluctant to bid if they felt parliament may reject the Forth Road Bridge Bill or if there was a chance the government would not go ahead with the project.

"What was more astonishing was the revelation that even if the bridge does go ahead the two losing tenders would be able to claim up to £5m for their failed bid."

Labour's Jackie Baillie said no such underwriting of tendering costs had happened before.

But the Scottish Government said it was following Treasury guidelines for major projects.

A spokesman said: "We will deliver a new Forth crossing on time and on budget by 2016 at a cost of between £1.7-£2.3 billion.

"This is a world class, prestigious project and these standard industry provisions will ensure we maximise competition and achieve the best overall price."

Meanwhile, business leaders in Fife have accused Edinburgh council chiefs of being "short-sighted" and "insular" after urging MSPs to postpone the building of the new Forth crossing.

The city council wants construction of the £2 billion new bridge to be delayed until 2011-12, when an update on the corrosion of the existing road bridge's main cable's should be available.

Alan Russell, chief executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce, described the council's request as "ridiculous".

He said: "This is a very short-sighted and insular viewpoint that does not take into account the fact that the new Forth bridge is a vital project for Scotland's infrastructure and a lifeline for businesses and residents north of the Forth.

"Any businesses will be aware that the government cannot afford to delay."