To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 4 December, Official Report, column 84, how many representations he has received in favour of a speed limit (a) higher and (b) lower than 70 miles an hour; and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 15 December 1989]: This year I have received 95 letters concerning the 70 mph maximum speed limit. Of these 13 were in favour of a higher limit; 29 asked for a lower limit and 53 for the rigorous enforcement of the existing limit.The maximum speed limit on motorways was fully reviewed in 1984 and 1985. I am satisfied that the existing limit allows for safe and sensible maximum speeds in normal driving conditions and gives a correct balance between the need for fast, convenient travel and safety.