HC Deb 05 August 1976 vol 916 c980W
Dr. Hampson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities have in the current year tendered for foreign equipment for gritting roads; how many authorities have purchased foreign equipment in the last two years and at what cost; and if it is in accordance with his policy that such a share of the market should go to foreign manufacturers.

Dr. Gilbert

The provision of gritting equipment for use on roads other than motorways is the responsibility of individual highway authorities. However, a sample survey last year indicated that about 38 per cent. of salt spreader bodies purchased during the previous two years were of foreign manufacture; 32 per cent. were from EEC sources.