§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to obtain a copy of the recent report446W by the Society of County Surveyors about the case for roads improvement in the south-east; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe have read with interest the recent report by the County Surveyors' Society entitled "Review of Highway Investment Needs up to the year 2001 on Motorways, Primary and Strategic Routes in England (excluding London)".
We shall consider the views of the society on national roads in the review of the trunk road programme which we are currently undertaking.
We have recently invited all local highway authorities to submit bids by 31 July for transport supplementary grant for 1990–91 for local roads of more than local importance. In considering their bids, the local highway authorities may also find the report of some assistance.
The new system of credit approvals rather than capital allocations should direct more resources towards local roads capital spending.
We agree with the basic message from the county surveyors that increased spending on roads will benefit the economy, reduce casualties and improve the environment.