HC Deb 20 February 1986 vol 92 cc321-2W
Mr. Thurnham

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will outline the proposed procedure for pursuing major highway schemes in the metropolitan council areas following abolition; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

On 1 April the metropolitan district councils will become the highway authorities for all roads in their areas except for those for which my right hon. Friend is highway authority. It will be for them to pursue major schemes on their roads within the resources available to them. They have already either set out their proposals for 1986–87 in transport policies and programmes, or endorsed the TPP submitted by the appropriate metropolitan county council. On the basis of these TPPs my right hon. Friend announced in December councils' entitlement to transport supplementary grant for 1986–87 and made capital allocations. A similar procedure will apply for 1987–88.

Mr. Thurnham

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he proposes to give any guidance to district councils about the use of private consultants on highway matters after the abolition of the metropolitan councils; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The use of consultants is an option district councils may wish to consider as an alternative to appointing extra staff. I do not consider it necessary to issue guidance. If any council wants advice on a specific matter, the Department is ready to help.