M.1

HC Deb 17 December 1963 vol 686 cc203-4W

Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Transport (1) by what date he now expects the M.1 to be in use between Crick and Whetstone;

(2) by what date he now expects the section of M.1 between Whetstone and Kirby Muxloe to be completed.

Mr. Marples

The Crick to Whetstone section is expected to be completed and its southern portion up to the Lutter worth junction with A.4114 brought into use in Autumn 1964. The remainder will come into use on completion of the Whetstone to Kirby Muxloe section which is expected to be in spring 1965.

Mr. Kenyon

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the cost per year for maintenance of the M.I motorway for each year since the motorway was opened.

Mr. Marples

The costs of normal maintenance and of special repairs to the carriageways, which include strengthening to current standards, are:

—	Normal Maintenance	Special Repairs
		£	£
1960–61	…	150,000	—
1961–62	…	130,000	59,000
1962–63	…	130,000	203,000
1963–64	…	130,000	90,000
TOTALS	…	540,000	352,000

In addition a number of improvements are being made, such as widening and strengthening the hard shoulders and extending the drainage, to bring the motorway up to present day standard.