§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made as to whether the proposed division of Berkshire into six highway authorities, including three covering the urban area of Reading, will facilitate an integrated approach to transport provision in the county area. [27993]
§ Mr. NorrisThere is no reason why the proposed restructuring of Berkshire to create six unitary authorities should hinder the delivery of local transport services. It is likely that the new authorities will need to work together in this, and other areas, where strategic issues straddle authority boundaries. We already encourage such joint working between authorities, for example through the package approach for transport funding.
§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made as to the extent to which the targeting of expenditure on highway maintenance and road improvements will be as effective in achieving value for money and lessening road accidents if carried out within each of the six unitary authorities proposed for Berkshire as under the current arrangements. [27997]
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§ Mr. NorrisThe Local Government Commission took account of the need for efficient and effective performance of all local authority activities in making its recommendations for the restructuring of local government in Berkshire.