HC Deb 29 April 1981 vol 3 c774
7. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the amount to be spent on maintenance of trunk roads, other than motorways, in 1981–82; and how this figure compares with that for 1978–79 in real terms.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We plan to spend £48.2 million on the maintenance of non-motorway trunk roads during 1981–82, compared with £62.5 million during 1978–79. Both figures are at November 1980 prices.

Mr. Hughes

Is it not time the Government realised that cutbacks in road maintenance are shortsighted and highly detrimental to a good infrastructure, which in turn is the basis of a successful economy? Is it not time that the hon. and learned Gentleman tried to convince the monetarist zealots who surround him of these basic facts?

Mr. Clarke

We have not made cuts in maintenance. The hon. Gentleman has skilfully asked a selective question. If motorways are added to the trunk road maintenance figures, one will see that maintenance expenditure has been increased this year to its highest level ever. Total expenditure on trunk roads and motorways is 23 per cent. higher than in the year which the hon. Gentleman has selected for comparison.

Mr. Squire

Nevertheless, will my hon. and learned Friend welcome evidence from the Opposition of some commitment to better roads, which is sometimes overlain with other considerations? Will he also reaffirm that Greater London perhaps faces the greatest road system problem? Will he also reaffirm his commitment riot just to the M25 but to improvement of roads throughout London generally?

Mr. Clarke

The Select Committee certainly pointed out the inadequacy of the London road network, and that inadequacy is obvious to anyone who uses the roads in and around the metropolis. There is an extremely low proportion of trunk roads within London and most of those roads are the responsibility of the GLC and the boroughs. If Labour wins the GLC election, it is highly unlikely that there will be any money left out of transport expenditure to make any further improvements to the London road system.