§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport, following the recent deflectograph survey of roads, how much expenditure will be set aside in the next five years for road strengthening; and what further steps will be taken as a result of the survey.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeDeflectograph surveys form part of the range of measurements used to help determine how much should be invested in maintaining trunk roads and motorways. All these measurements are part only of the process of drawing up a maintenance programme. This year we aim to spend about £72 million—at current prices—on major works. This is more than for any previous year and that level of spend is expected to continue for the next few years.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will give the percentage of roads likely to require major strengthening in the next five years;
(2) if he will give the percentage of roads having a residual life of 20 years before strengthening is required.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI shall answer these questions shortly.