HC Deb 20 February 1957 vol 565 c406
21. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the value and mileage of work of new road construction and major improvements authorised by him year by year from 1953–54 to 1956–57.

Mr. Watkinson

The total ultimate cost to the Exchequer of the works authorised in these years will be £90,700,000. I am circulating in the OFFICIAI. REPORT the year-by-year totals.

Mr. Wilson

Can, my right hon. Friend say whether the year-by-year figures show a steady improvement in mileage and value?

Mr. Watkinson

Yes, Sir, they show it very considerably.

Following are the figures:

1953–54 … £6,700,000
1954–55 … £20,000,000
1955–56 … £30,000,000
1956–57 … (estimated) £34,000,000
(excluding Scotland)

These figures do not include the share borne by the local authorities of the cost of classified road schemes.

I regret that I am unable to give the mileages of road involved without a considerable amount of research, which I do not think would be justified.