Roads: Snow and Ice

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Health in 2010 on the salt and grit supplies held by hospitals. (316891)

As part of the collective response by the Government to the severe weather, a number of discussions have been held with ministerial colleagues during Cabinet level meetings convened on this matter.

Furthermore, the salt suppliers are holding salt for distribution to non-highway users. They determine priorities for distributing this, separately from the Salt Cell. However, non-highway salt users may seek mutual aid arrangements with local authorities and others if they wish. In critical cases, where these arrangements are not working, health organisations are encouraged to raise the issue with the Department of Health.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what information his Department holds on the quantity of salt held by each local authority; and for which local authorities his Department holds no up-to-date information. (319614)

An updated table has been placed in the Libraries of the House, which shows how many tonnes of salt local authorities estimate they have available, according to the local authority salt audit returns the Department for Transport had received at 10 a.m. on 25 February.

These figures provide a snapshot of one day and may not fully reflect the regional weather, salt delivery dates, weather preparedness or distribution practices.