§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of the total repair budget of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland is used in repairs to roads, buildings, etcetera which have sustained damage as the result of environmental pollution. [19870]
§ Mr. MossThe Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has not identified any damage to roads, buildings, etcetera, specifically caused by environmental pollution which has required repair expenditure. It is estimated, however, that approximately 4 per cent. of the roads services total bridge maintenance budget of £5 million for 1993–94 was spent on repairing damage caused by chloride attack.
§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the causes of chloride attack on bridges and other structures in Northern Ireland; and what proportion of the £3.2 million spent on repairs to bridges and other structures during 1993–94 was needed to repair damage from chloride attack. [19869]
§ Mr. MossThe main cause of chloride attack on bridges is rock salt which is used for winter gritting.
457WWhile no exact figures are available to show the costs incurred in repairing damage caused specifically by chloride attack, it is estimated that this accounts for approximately 4 per cent. of the total bridge maintenance budget which, in the 1993–94 financial year, stood at £5 million.
No expenditure has been incurred on repairs to other structures.