§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of trunk road will be renewed in 1988–89.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe mileages of motorways and trunk roads renewed this year are likely to be about 52 and 106, respectively. These are lower than planned as a result of the rescheduling of capital maintenance announced on 20 June at column455.
I am looking to competition between contractors to contain future price increases, so far as possible.
Subject to that, we shall aim to increase the mileages to be renewed each year over the next three years to averages of 84 miles of motorway and 233 miles of trunk road. The maintenance programme for 1988–90 has not been finalised. It will be announced in March as usual.