To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what consideration his Department has given to the effectiveness of local authority distribution of car snow chains to individuals affected by cold weather conditions. (312444)

I have been asked to reply.

The Department for Transport has not considered the effectiveness of this measure. Due to the infrequency of severe snow and ice in the UK, snow chains are likely to be used rarely, and only on minor roads where it may be unrealistic to expect local authorities to bear the responsibility of keeping the roads open.

Whether to distribute snow chains is a matter for individual local authorities.