§ Mr. McWilliamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give an estimate of the increased length of repair-free life of a motorway built using modern drainage techniques as opposed to those constructed using traditional techniques.
§ Mr. ChopeThere is no firm evidence to suggest that modern drainage systems are more effective than properly306W constructed traditional systems. The main objectives of incorporating modern drainage systems are to separate surface water and sub-surface drainage, improve value for money, reduce the demand for scarce aggregate resources and reduce stone scatter.
§ Mr. McWilliamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will investigate the reasons for the reluctance of building contractors to fit modern drainage systems in new road building programmes.
§ Mr. ChopeI am not aware of any reluctance on the part of contractors to fit modern drainage systems, but am willing to look at any examples which the hon. Member can provide.