§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received on the inadequacy of the measures taken to deal with the roads during and after the blizzard in the West Country on 27th December, despite the 250W experience of two years ago; and what action he will take.
§ Mr. Tom FraserWe had representations from two bus companies and a private individual.
Most of the roads were kept open by the local highway authorities during this period by pre-salting or ploughing. The few which were temporarily blocked were reopened within a few hours, apart from A.37 some 10 miles north-west of Dorchester where clearing operations were hampered by fog. Alternatives to this route were kept open at all times.
The local highway authorities did all they reasonably could to keep all these roads clear, and I see no call for special further action on my part arising from this experience.