HC Deb 10 March 1965 vol 708 cc90-1W
77. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Transport what is the current annual rate of expenditure on repairs per mile on the concrete section of the M.1 and on other surfaces, respectively; and what conclusions he has reached as to the relative value of the different surfaces.

Mr. Tom Fraser

The rate of expenditure on repairs in 1964–65 and 1965–66 will be £865 per lane-mile of repairs for the concrete section. There is no comparable figure for the adjacent flexible section since repair work cannot be costed separately from the reconstruction necessary to bring the flexible carriageways up to current specification. The total figure for this is £1,670 per lane-mile of repairs and strengthening.

It is too early to reach conclusions as to the relative values of the different surfaces constructed to current specifications until more experience has been gained of their performance.

99. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the statutory processes and engineering preparations for sections of the M.1 north of Pinxton, Derbyshire; when he expects to place contracts for extensions to South Yorkshire, Leeds and Doncaster, respectively; and whether he will make a further statement about progress north of Markfield.

Mr. Tom Fraser

The statutory processes arid engineering preparations are well advanced. We hope to place contracts for the remaining sections this year.

Six contracts between Markfield and Pinxton are under way. We expect this length to be completed early in 1967, but each section will be brought into use as soon as it is ready.