§ 37. Mr. Peytonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent he contemplates continuing increases in the amount and size of the road programme.
§ Mr. WatkinsonExpenditure on new construction and major improvements in the road programme will rise to about 1269 £65 million next year and will be planned thereafter on a basis of not less than £60 million per annum.
§ Mr. PeytonIn view of the rather odd Report which recently made its appearance, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is satisfied that the road programme has been adequately planned? Is he satisfied that anything like enough money is being spent on the programme, because, though a great start has been made, it remains the fact that we shall have to step it up considerably more if we are to keep pace with Continental competitors?
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs my hon. Friend has asked me a supplementary question on a rather topical subject, I should like to take this opportunity to say that I am very sorry indeed if the Select Committee thought me guilty of the slightest intentional discourtesy in what I said yesterday.
The answer to my hon. Friend's supplementary question is that the road programme is progressing on a plan which gives this country the quickest possible work on motorways. I agree that any Minister of Transport would say that we should spend a good deal more money on it and I hope that in due course we shall be enabled to do so.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesSince the Minister is so satisfied over his road programme can he publicise in HANSARD, or place in the Library, a copy of the national road programme which, with characteristic modesty, he talked about yesterday?
§ Mr. WatkinsonIn the various debates in (his House I have given a very clear idea of the national plan which is based on what my Ministry calls its five main projects. If the hon. Gentleman wishes me to give further publicity to them, I shall be very happy to do so.