§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he will be making on behalf of United Kingdom contractors as a result of 125W United Kingdom county surveyors' refusal to take up polymer modified bitumens in marked contrast to other European Economic Community member states.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyI have been asked to reply.
The Department will continue to liaise with both county surveyors and contractors on developments in the roadbuilding applications of polymer modified bitumens. We are keen to introduce into the Department's specification for highway works any relevant new material as quickly as it can be demonstrated that it gives both value for money and adequate long term performance. For example, we have undertaken to introduce manganes modified bitumens in rolled asphalt surfacing in mid-1990, subject to continuing satisfactory trials.
Many counties are already using some polymer modified bitumens. The degree of acceptance and use of these materials depends upon the ability of the supplier to assure the customer of their technical and cost effectiveness.