HC Deb 16 March 1987 vol 112 cc677-8
4. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been spent on new motorway construction in each of the past three years, at constant prices.

Mr. Moore

In the past three years, expenditure on motorway construction at constant 1985–86 prices reduced from £323 million in 1983–84 to £317 million in 1984–85 and £254 million in 1985–86, reflecting the switch to trunk road improvements, particularly bypasses. Capital investment in roads is now nearly 30 per cent. higher than in 1978–79.

Mr. Knox

Is my right hon. Friend concerned that the figure for 1985–86 showed a sharp decline compared with the two previous years? Does he agree that a much better motorway network is essential if we are to improve our industrial efficiency?

Mr. Moore

We have seen an overall increase of 30 per cent. in real terms, because that encompasses the switch to trunk roads and bypasses. However, I recognise the point that my hon. Friend has made. Without question, motorways assist the economic development, and to that extent I know that my hon. Friend will be interested to learn that I am currently reviewing the overall programme and hope to make an announcement about it in the spring.

Mr. Ashby

My right hon. Friend will be aware that the M42 comes up to the boundaries of my constituency. He will also be aware that the contract for the extension to that road is shortly to be placed. Will my right hon. Friend please ensure that there is no slippage in that contract, because the traffic conditions in Measham and Ashby-de-la-Zouch—2,000 extra vehicles per day—are absolutely dreadful? Will my right hon. Friend also undertake to see whether it is possible for the contract for the next section, from Ashby to Kegworth, to be put forward ahead of time?

Mr. Moore

I bow to my hon. Friend's detailed knowledge of his constituency and its environs. I know he will be pleased that the completion of the M42 is part of our programme. I shall draw the attention of my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for roads to the additional points that my hon. Friend is understandably making within his constituency.

Mr. Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the trunk roads and bypasses programme has been a tremendous help, particularly by restoring a respectable and quiet way of living to numerous towns and villages? Nevertheless, when he reviews the programme, will he bear in mind the necessity of completing the link between the M3 and the M27? At present the two motorways are connected by a dangerous and narrow section of road, which is highly dangerous for the heavy traffic from Southampton arid Poole docks and for traffic from London.

Mr. Moore

Again, I have listened carefully to the point made by my hon. Friend about the connection between the M3 and the M27. He is right to draw attention to the fact that since 1979 we have completed 398 miles of new, all-purpose trunk roads in addition to the motorway programme. Sixty-seven bypasses have been completed and another 150 are in the programme. We can be pleased with and proud of that programme.