§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the amount of private finances to be invested in Britain's road network during 1988–89.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe anticipate that about 30 agreements between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport and private sector developers will be completed in 1988–89. Through these arrangements and the construction of the Dartford-Thurrock crossing the private sector will contribute an estimated £30 million in 1988–89 towards the funding of trunk road improvements in England.
Local highway authorities also enter into agreements with the private sector to fund road schemes. Information on these is not held centrally, but the indications are that the private sector makes a major contribution to local schemes.
Responsibility for roads in Scotland and Wales rests with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales, respectively.