§ 57. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of his intention to defer the authorisation in 1956–57 of some road schemes which it was previously intended to authorise in that year and that the amount to be spent is, accordingly, to be reduced by about £250,000, he will now indicate the principal items in the road programme on which money is to be spent during 1956, together with the approximate amount and the total commitments, respectively, in each case.
§ Mr. WatkinsonMy Departmental estimates will show the total commitments and the total expenditure which I expect to incur in respect of road improvements in 1956–57. I do not intend to announce any further lists of schemes related to a particular year since it is essential to preserve a reasonable measure of flexibility, but I shall of course inform the local authorities concerned of my proposals from time to time.
§ Mr. DaviesWhile agreeing that some flexibility may be desirable, may I ask whether it is not a disadvantage if there are frequent changes in the road programme such as have taken place recently, and what steps is the right hon. Gentleman taking to draw up a long-term programme which can be adhered to?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe answer to that is that there have been no major changes in the road programme as announced by my predecessor. As I have said in the House, I am carrying out that programme, but doing what I think anybody must, which is, keeping a flexible outlook so that urgent jobs can be dealt with immediately.
§ Mr. DaviesIs it not a fact that the Minister has stated that he is dropping schemes for motor roadways which his predecessor announced?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for asking that supplementary question because it enables me to say in this House that I have in no way abandoned the motor road plans and programmes announced by my predecessor, and work on the London-Birmingham section is being pushed forward as quickly as possible.