asked the Minister for the Environment if it is his policy to insist that all major roadwork improvement schemes carried out by local authorities should be offered for tender for completion by private contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Road Improvement Schemes.
73.
At present, my Department is reviewing the position about the carrying out of major road improvement schemes by contractor or local authority direct management. I propose to make a definitive statement on my policy on this issue in the next road plan which I hope to publish shortly. In the meantime it is my policy to encourage local authorities to have major schemes carried out by contract as far as practicable.
On 30 September I announced that four major schemes involving an investment in the region of £35 million will be undertaken on a design and construct basis. I also announced that seven further major road schemes costing a total of some £135 million are expected to start within the next six months. Some 85 per cent of the work involved will be done by contract.