HC Deb 21 October 1985 vol 84 cc70-1W
Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the expenditure on road maintenance in each Welsh county for each year from 1979–80 to 1985–86, if he will express the changes in real terms, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

Using the gross domestic product deflator with the base year of 1984–85 the figures for maintenance expenditure on trunk and county roads are:

Wales in 1984 was broadly comparable to that in 1977 though there have been variations in condition from year to year, and in respect of particular classes of road. Expenditure on trunk road maintenance has increased in recent years and I intend to maintain provision at about the present level in future years. The level of expenditure by local highway authorities is for them to determine in the light of their own priorities.