asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will withdraw the code of practice for the maintenance of trunk roads and motorways issued by his Department earlier this year.

No. The introduction of the code of practice is an important step towards obtaining consistent and safe maintenance standards and best value from the funds available for routine maintenance on the national road network. Improvements to the code will be made as experience is gained.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Wallasey (Mrs. Chalker), intends to reply to the letter to her from the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton, dated 20 May, regarding the code of practice for routine maintenance of motorways and all purpose trunk roads.

I have written to my hon. Friend today.