§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total cost throughout its existence of the cones hotline; and how many calls to it led to action being taken. [22809]
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 25 March 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 10 July 1995 at column 403. This gives information about follow-up action after calls to the cones hotline, and about costs in the financial year 1994–95. The cost of establishing and running the cones hotline prior to March 1994 is not available as, until then, calls were routed through the Department of Transport's general inquiry 548W number. The cost of running the cones hotline from April 1995 until September 1995 inclusive, when it was replaced by the Highways Agency information line, is estimated at £20,000, including staff and call charges.