HC Deb 08 March 1967 vol 742 cc1521-2
46. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Transport what research is being done by her Department into ways of speeding up road construction and maintenance.

Mr. Swingler

The Road Research Laboratory continues to investigate all aspects of roadworks; earthworks, including new construction techniques and the study of the settlement of embankments; the use of computers in road location and design; study of new materials; and improved machinery for construction and maintenance methods.

Other current research by the Department includes close liaison with industry in plant development; a review of pre-contract statutory processes; trials of new contract procedures, including the use of critical path networks; and an examination of the feasibility of serial contracting.

Mrs. Short

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for that splendid Answer.—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—I mean that. Is he aware that my constituency is very much disturbed by extensive roadworks programmes of very necessary road improvements, and that consequently many businesses are very seriously upset by the inconvenience caused? Does not my hon. Friend think that, in addition to the obvious technological improvements on which his Department is working, it would be a good idea if maintenance firms were asked to work during the night and throughout the weekend to cut the time spent on carrying out roadworks?

Mr. Swingler

These are the sort of matters which are being discussed with the major contractors of the country for the purpose of trying to speed up the major projects, and those who are acquainted with the Lofthouse Report will realise that my answer follows closely the recommendations in that Report which we are trying to implement as soon as we can.

Mr. Galbraith

Will the hon. Gentle-resist any attempt to encourage and increase the amount of work done at night? It is bad enough to put up with noise during the day, without having the same thing at night.

Mr. Swingler

This depends on the circumstances and the location. It depends basically on the arrangements made by the contractors and the units to speed up the work as much as possible. These are matters which we are discussing with them on the basis of the Loft-house Report.