§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he has had with representatives of transport trade associations on the use of open draining asphalt systems for British roads;
(2) what will be the cost of installing open draining asphalt systems as an alternative road surfacing on 10 per cent. of British motorways;
(3) what plans there are to use open draining asphalt systems for road surfacing in the United Kingdom;
(4) what is the approximate cost of open draining asphalt systems for road services compared with conventional surfaces used on Britain's roads.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyOfficials have met representatives of transport trade associations about the use of open draining asphalt materials. The Department is currently carrying out research into the properties of these materials. We expect the results to be available in the early part of 1990. Until then we cannot form a view as to whether these materials should be introduced on motorways and other trunk roads in England. Detailed cost information is not yet available. Current indications are that these materials will be significantly more expensive than conventional ones.