To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Forth road bridge was last painted; how many people were involved; what was the cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement. [5496]

The Forth road bridge is the responsibility of the Forth road bridge joint board, a statutory body made up of members from Lothian regional council and Fife regional council. However, I understand from the joint board that painting of the Forth road bridge is a continuous process carried out in an eight-year cycle. Some 17 people are involved in painting the bridge, and these include both permanent and seasonal workers. In common with other expenditure on the bridge the costs are met from toll revenue. No public funds are used.