§ Mr. Brittanasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has considered 648W the statement of the Cleveland County Council in its transport policies and programme submission for 1977–78 that there has been a rapid deterioration in the riding quality and structural soundness of many roads throughout the county; whether this statement was taken into account in connection with the claim in his departmental circular about such submissions that the drop in maintenance standards has not yet proved unacceptable; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe submission indicates that the county proposes to concentrate on extensive structural maintenance, including reconstruction, of roads. Since this accords with the advice given in the circular I see no need to take specific action in the matter.
§ Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what account he is taking of the statement in the transport policies and programme submission for 1977–78 by the West Sussex County Council that road failures are largely attributable to the inadequacy of structural maintenance in the past in preparing a circular for issue with regard to transport supplementary grant submissions.
§ Mr. William RodgersI am aware that inadequacy in structural maintenance can lead to road failures. It is for this reason that I have stressed the need, in considering priorities, to protect the structural integrity of roads.