HC Deb 12 May 1982 vol 23 c284W
34. Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the possible methods of tapping private finance for road building which he is considering; what are the advantages and disadvantages of each; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

I see advantages in increasing the diversity of funding for road building if we can attract genuine private sector finance at reasonable cost. The most hopeful method, at least in the immediate future, involves private funding of construction paid for by royalties on the use of the road. We shall very shortly be consulting the construction industry and others to see whether such a scheme can be developed for trunk roads that meets the needs of all concerned.