§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the planned expenditure for the maintenance of motorways and trunk roads in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe information is as follows:
£ million (cash) Year Capital expenditure Current expenditure 1985–86 164 77 1986–87 218 93 1987–88 264 84 1988–89 190 102 1989–90 337 99 Notes:
1. All figures are for national roads, England.
2. 1985–86 to 1988–89 are outturn figures; 1989–90 revised vote provision.
3. Capital expenditure comprises renewal of roads, and renewal and strengthening of bridges including the Severn Bridge.
4. Current expenditure is net of receipts (tolls, damage claims, administration and hire charges and VAT refunds).
Outturn expenditure was close to or above original planned targets in each year except 1988–89, when it was necessary to transfer some capital maintenance resources to new construction to avoid an overspend on the roads vote as a whole in the face of increased construction prices and faster progress with some new road schemes.