§ 31. Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will make a statement as to his programme of investment in the motorway network.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleySince 1979, we have invested over £1.5 billion on new motorway construction schemes adding 285 miles to the network. Our forward programme provides further investment of some £1 billion in new motorway construction. These schemes will add a further 200 miles to the network when completed.
We intend that future renewal should keep pace with deterioration and provide for elimination of the backlog of repairs, built up during the 1970s, by the early 1990s. We expect to spend £128 million this year and similar amounts in future years.
§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the total amounts spent on repairs to the motorway system in England and Wales in each of the financial years from 1974–75 to date.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe information requested is not available for years prior to 1979. Figures for expenditure on structural repairs to motorways in England from 1979 onwards are given below. The motorway in Wales is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Wales.
76W
Financial year Expenditure £ million 1979–80 23.7 1980–81 49.4 1981–82 74.4 1982–83 95.3 1983–84 93.9 1984–85 122.9 1985–86 86.1 1986–87 1115.0 1 Estimate.
§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what circumstances motorway lanes are closed, ostensibly for repairs, when no repairs are actually taking place.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleySome lane closures are kept on overnight or during bad weather when no work is taking place if conditions are such that removal would endanger either workmen or road users. There are also cases in which work is proceeding but is not apparent, such as when concrete is hardening. The Department's instructions to its agents emphasise the need to minimise coning off and to complete the works and reopen lanes as soon as possible.