§ 6. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the backlog in the programme of necessary reconstruction work on all-purpose trunk roads; and when he expects the programme to be back on course.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI estimate that at the end of 1984–85 the backlog was the equivalent of about 220 miles of single carriageway. The speed with which we reduce the backlog will depend on the availability of resources and priorities within the overall roads programme.
§ Mr. ChapmanI appreciate that extra funds have been allocated to the structural maintenance of the all-purpose roads programme, but may I have my hon. Friend's assurance, so far as she is able to give it, that meeting the backlog, which is a priority, will not be done at the expense of cutting funds allocated to the construction of new roads?
§ Mrs. ChalkerYes, I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. The new construction programme, which brings environmental and economic benefits, often relieves the communities concerned in a way which allows the maintenance programmes of other roads to be completed over a slightly longer period. The important factor is to keep vital traffic arteries in good condition. That is the direction in which the priority of renewal and maintenance spending has been going, though it has not been coming from the construction programme.