§ 12. Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he is taking to evaluate the effects of the decision to cut salting and winter maintenance of roads to ensure that people are not being killed or injured as a result.
§ Mr. FowlerThere was no decision to cut salting this winter. My first concern is always the safety of those using our trunk roads and motorways but I am determined that we should get value for money from winter maintenance spending. I have, therefore, agreed with Sir Derek Rayner that these operations should be examined and I expect a report later this year on the scope for improving both safety and value for money.
§ Mr. SheermanIs the Secretary of State aware that the Government's decision to cut back overall maintenance which was conveyed to local authorities during September and October meant that local authorities had to make the cutback in that financial year? Is he further aware that it was too late to cut back in any area other than winter maintenance and gritting? Does he appreciate that West Yorkshire and other local authorities in the North found it difficult to make the savings, and had to cut back on the very areas that are being denied by the Secretary of State?
§ Mr. FowlerThere has been an increase from £5½ million spent last winter to £6½ million spent this winter on maintenance. In other words, about the same level of expenditure has occurred in real terms. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will agree that we want to achieve the maximum efficiency in operations. That is why I have asked Sir Derek Rayner to consider the matter.
§ Mr. Bill WalkerDoes my right hon. Friend agree that he should congratulate the men who, winter after winter, operate the clearing schemes on the Highland roads in Scotland? They keep open the roads in appalling conditions.
§ Mr. FowlerI am sure that my hon. Friend is right. The men carry out an extremely difficult job which, as my hon. Friend said, they do extremely well.
§ Mr. Ron LewisDoes the Secretary of State recall the correspondence from Cumbria county council about road maintenance and the severe cutbacks that the council experienced this winter? What does he intend to do about that matter?
§ Mr. FowlerI cannot add anything to my previous remarks. There has been no cut. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman checks with the Cumbria county council to see my reply.