§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to improve the reliability of emergency telephones on motorways.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe reports available do not show a need to improve the general reliability of emergency telephones at present. Isolated failures take place from time to time and industrial action by one of the Department's contractors in recent weeks has caused some delays in repair in some areas but I trust that this situation will not last for long. Meanwhile, new techniques are monitored as they become available and will be introduced if cost-effective.
§ Mr. Fryasked the Minister of Transport what is the total expenditure at estimated outturn prices on (a) motorway and (b) trunk road schemes with contracts due to be let after 31 October 1978 during 1979–80 as listed in the Supply Estimates; what is the estimated expenditure incurred or due to be incurred in 1979–80 on schemes actually let after that date; what is the estimated expenditure likely to be incurred in 1979–80 on schemes still to be let; what is the difference between the estimates for such schemes as listed in the Supply Estimates and the present likely outturn; and what are the factors giving rise to the difference.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe information is as follows:
delays due to statutory procedures and other uncertainties, and these have in fact taken place.