§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what comparisons have been undertaken of the82W durability of United Kingdom motorway and dual carriageway roads with those in other countries within the EEC.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyStudies of this kind are of limited value. There are differences in climate and traffic characteristics. Attitudes to the economic appraisal of highway construction and maintenance also differ. We maintain, with our European partners, a continuous exchange of information on the design, construction and maintenance of national roads, including factors affecting durability.