§ Mr. Hanleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to respond to the report on road maintenance published earlier this year by the Transport Committee; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyI have today responded to the Transport Committee's report and copies of my response have been placed in the Library of the House. The report, which I welcome, contains a thorough and constructive discussion of all the important aspects of road maintenance. To a significant extent the report endorses the work which my Department is doing in that field. I agree with the committee's view that the country's road network is a vital asset. The Government will continue their commitment to maintaining that asset to an acceptable standard in close collaboration with the local authorities, having regard to the need to contain public expenditure.