§ Mr. Denis Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what estimate he has made of the additional costs being borne by local authorities in dealing with the severe weather conditions being experienced throughout the United Kingdom; and what effect his cutback in local government finances is having upon the ability of local authorities to maintain essential services and safeguard the safety of pedestrians, motorists and transport drivers;
(2) if he will immediately provide additional financial resources sufficient to enable local authorities to take on temporary labour to clear pavements and roads and to man emergency services;
(3) if he will make a statement about the availability of salt and grit for local authorities, having regard to the continuing and dangerous conditions of roads and pavements; and if he is satisfied that each local authority will be able to perform these tasks for the safety of the public.
§ Mr. KingI believe that local authorities are able to deal with the effects of the present severe weather 431W conditions on roads and pavements, and to carry out any other emergency services for which they are responsible, within their existing resources. There should be enough salt and grit if used sensibly. However, it is too early to make any useful estimate of additional costs likely to be involved.