Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Transport whether, before building any more conventionally-built motorways at approximately £1,000,000 cost per mile, he will study the lighter and cheaper form of construction by continuous concrete strip.
§ Mr. MarplesThe motorways so far built have cost between £250,000 and £500,000 per mile according to the conditions imposed by the terrain. The standards of motorway design recently agreed between my Department and the Road Research Laboratory represent the most economical form of construction to meet future traffic needs. They provide for the use of a wide range of materials and methods. In appropriate cases tenders are invited for alternative types of materials,, including concrete. I should be glad to examine any suggestions my hon. Friend may have in mind.