§ Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated cost to be spent by the Government and local authorities on the preparations that will be allowed for the £200 million worth of roads that have so far been placed in the Preparation Pool.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe costs of preparation of trunk road schemes vary with their nature, size and complexity and no overall estimate is available. Some of these schemes will be prepared by local authorities (as agents), some by consulting engineers and many of the larger ones by Road Construction Units. A preparation fee, currently 2 per cent. of the cost of the constructional works, is paid to local authorities who undertake this work on our behalf. The Department pays the actual cost of such ground, aerial, soil and traffic surveys as may be necessary in addition.