§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister of Transport what study his Department has made of the Transport and Road Research Laboratory's findings in report No. 910 that the axle damage factor of the left-hand lane of the southbound carriageway of the M6 motorway at Great Barr, Birmingham, increased from 40.0 in 1972 to 86.2 in 1977 to see if there is a connection with the maintenance required on this motorway.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:Our Department has considered the TRRL report 910. It is quite clear that the increased axle loadings being carried by the motorways 135W have contributed significantly to the level of maintenance which they require.