HC Deb 21 July 1982 vol 28 cc383-4
6. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he gives to local authorities' local road maintenance needs in setting the rate support grant levels.

The Minister for Local Government and Environmental Services (Mr. Tom King)

There are annual discussions with local government about the amount of relevant expenditure for rate support grant purposes on all services.

The provision for local road maintenance expenditure is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport and in Wales my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister appreciate that as a result of adverse weather conditions road maintenance has fallen badly behind? If we are to improve our overall industrial efficiency, it is necessary to improve and adequately maintain our road system. Together with local authorities, will he do what he can to ensure that road maintenance is carried out as speedily as possible?

Mr. King

As the hon. Gentleman is probably aware, that is a question for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. However, I notice that about 96 per cent. of local authority bids this year were approved by the Government. That is a very high level.

Mr. Steen

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a growing pothole epidemic is affecting roads throughout London and is causing great danger to some of the 96,000 cyclists who commute into London every day? Will he advise the local authorities in London how they can best deal with this epidemic?

Mr. King

The answer will, I think, be fairly clear to my hon. Friend as it will be to the House. I have no doubt that the relevant authorities will take note of his comments.

Mr. Allan Roberts

Is the Minister aware that the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board must maintain many roads that should be maintained by local authorities? Will he ensure that the rate support grant settlement takes account of that fact so that the local authorities concerned can take over responsibility for the maintenance of those roads?

Mr. King

As I said in my original reply, this is intitially a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport as it involves transport expenditure. I shall ensure that the hon. Gentleman's comments are conveyed to him.