§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications of the higher sterling price of bitumen on the ability of his Department to carry out on schedule and within budget trunk road projects.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe price of bitumen is only one among many factors which influence the overall cost of trunk roads. To date, however, tender prices have remained very competitive and do not prejudice our ability to carry out projects on time and within the cash limit. Indeed, at 1 February, 40 per cent. of our major contracts were running ahead of schedule.