Written question asked by Theresa Villiers (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 March 2010. It was answered by Lord Khan of Tooting (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Roads: Snow and Ice

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to the answer of 22 February 2010, Official Report, column 208W, on roads: snow and ice, how much the Highways Agency has spent on salt from overseas suppliers in each of the last 12 years.

Answer: The Highways Agency does not purchase salt directly, as this is the responsibility of their contracted service providers, as part of their requirement to deliver the winter service to keep the strategic network safe and open during severe winter weather. Consequently the Highways Agency has not purchased any overseas salt over the last 12 years, except, as a result of the national salt shortages experienced over the last two winter seasons, the Highways Agency has helped facilitate the importation of overseas salt to its service providers.In 2008-09 season, the Highways Agency helped to import approximately 58,000 tonnes of salt, with a further 127,000 tonnes imported in the 2009-10 winter season. The price paid by the Highways Agency's service providers varies between £50-£95 per tonne, depending on the salt supplier and haulage distances.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 507 c159W; 320821
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Roads: Snow and Ice
Monday, 22 February 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Roads Snow and ice
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk