HC Deb 16 March 1981 vol 1 c42W
Mr. Michael Spicer

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has now arranged for the review of winter maintenance of motorways and trunk roads, announced on 19 December 1980 in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Christchurch and Lymington (Mr. Adley).

Mr. Fowler

I have agreed with Sir Derek Rayner that the review of winter highway maintenance announced on 19 December should form a contribution to the 1981 scrutiny programme, under the following terms of referenceTo examine the methods adopted by a representative sample of local authorities for the winter maintenance of trunk roads and motorways in England with a view to securing:

  1. i. the maximum economy and value for money, subject to the essential needs of safety;
  2. ii. effective control over such expenditure;
  3. iii. a good understanding between the Department and its agent authorities.
The study should include an examination of the scope for alternative methods of providing this service such as the use of private sector contractors.

The review begins this month and is expected to report by the beginning of July.