§ Mr. Fryasked the Secretary of State for Transport, following the 27 per cent. cut in the maintenance budget for trunk roads other than motorways in the current year, 334W in what respect requirements have been reduced; and what effect reduced maintenance will have on road surfaces, signing, and so on.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeAs the motorway network has expanded the proportion of traffic, and particularly of heavy goods vehicles, borne by the reducing mileage of trunk roads has declined. We are satisfied that the budget of £36.6 millon for maintaining trunk roads this year will keep them safe and represents a sensible share of the resources available for all road maintenance.