§ Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to seek reductions in road maintenance.
§ Dr. GilbertYes. I have decided to cut maintenance expenditure per mile on trunk roads and to urge local authorities to do the same on their roads. The economies should be made progressively over some years so that their effect can be observed. They may eventually amount to some 15 per cent. to 20 per cent. of foreseen maintenance costs at current prices. I expect the impact to be greatest on the less heavily trafficked roads, but operations affecting road safety should be substantially unchanged. The effects will be chiefly perceptible in reducing riding quality, footway maintenance and overall appearance.