To ask Her Majesty's Government when the litter was last cleared from the verges of (a) the M25 between the junctions 28 and 30, and (b) the A13 between the M25 and Dagenham; and when they are next scheduled to be cleared. [HL2196]

The Highways Agency cleared litter from the verges of the M25 between junctions 28 and 30 between 17 and 21 January 2009 and has been picking litter again since 9 March. This work is due to finish on 20 March 2009.

The Highways Agency has programmed to pick litter between these locations again in April 2009.

Thurrock Council is responsible for picking litter on the A13 between the M25 and Wennington. The litter on this section of road was last picked between 2 and 10 March 2009. Thurrock Council has programmed to pick litter again between 23 March and 2 April 2009.

Transport for London is responsible for picking litter on the A13 between Wennington and Dagenham. The litter on this section of road is picked twice a week, with the last dates being 10 and 16 March 2009. Transport for London has programmed to pick litter at these locations again on 18 and 19 March 2009.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they use clearing litter from Britain's roads as a job creation opportunity. [HL2197]

Local authorities have a legal duty to keep all public land and roads within their boundaries clear of litter and refuse with the Highways Agency having similar duties for the motorway network. These duty bodies make decisions on the numbers of staff required to deliver effective service.