21. Mr. G. Wilsonasked 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. WatkinsonThe 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. WilsonCan, my right hon. Friend say whether the year-by-year figures show a steady improvement in mileage and value?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, 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.