§ 37. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the confusion caused amongst local authorities by the circular letter sent to them on 26th October by Her Majesty's Government, in so far as it concerned expenditure on roads; and whether he will issue, at an early date, a clarifying statement indicating precisely what is the policy of the Government with regard to the curtailment, maintenance, or increase of expenditure by local authorities on roads.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI do not think there is any confusion. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made it clear in his Budget speech on 26th October that the road programme is to continue.
§ Mr. JannerAm I to understand from that answer that the passage in that circular relating to the road programme does not mean anything at all and that the Chancellor will stand by what he said in the House of Commons before?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have given the hon. Gentleman a definite answer to his 1447 Question. I really cannot be expected to indulge in textual criticism of the circular in question.
§ Mr. JannerIn view of the very unsatisfactory reply, I propose to raise this matter at the earliest opportunity on the Adjournment.