HC Deb 02 April 1979 vol 965 cc545-6W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action, following his statement to the House on 22 February, has been taken to improve the deplorable state of many roads, made worse by the recent snowstorms, where huge potholes are now a danger to both motorists and pedestrians; what response to his statement has been received from councils such as the London borough of Newham which have not the finance available to carry out these repairs; and what additional action he proposes to take to ensure that such roads are properly repaired.

Mr. Horam

Local highways authorities are already repairing the worst damage both on local roads for which they are responsible and on trunk roads where they carry out work as agents for the Department. Urgent remedial work may have to replace less urgent planned maintenance.

The administration of the Government's promised financial assistance to local authorities towards the additional expense arising from the winter emergency is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I have brought to his attention the representations which have been made to me about the conditions attached to the grant.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with gritting and salting of roads in the current year; and what improvements he is considering for 1980.

Mr. Horam

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my right hon. Friend on 21 February to a question from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Stechford (Mr. MacKay)—[Vol. 963, c. 406–407.] There are no proposals at present to introduce changes in existing arrangements for the gritting and salting of motorways and trunk roads for which my right hon. Friend is responsible.

Local highway authorities are responsible for such operations on their own roads and will no doubt be considering what changes ere appropriate.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the current repair and construction of motorways programme in Cambridgeshire.

Mr. Horam

As yet there are no motorways open to traffic in Cambridgeshire, but the completion of the Mil motorway within the county is expected towards the end of this year. Arrangements for subsequent maintenance have not yet been finalised.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals are currently under examination concerning the allocation of more sand, salt, or snow removal equipment to local authorities in preparation for next, winter.

Mr. Horam

It is for local highway authorities to arrange the provision of all the items mentioned, other than snow clearing equipment on motorways. This is provided by the Department and no increase in allocation is proposed.