§ 21. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will give the amounts spent on roads in 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963, respectively, as percentages of the revenue received from road users by way of fuel tax and licence duty; and if he will give a comparable estimated figure for 1964.
§ Mr. GreenPublic expenditure on roads as a proportion of the yield of road fuel taxes and motor vehicle duties in Great Britain was 52 per cent. in 1960–61, 50 per cent. in 1961–62, 54 per cent. in 1962–63 and 56 per cent. in 1963–64. The estimates for 1964–65 yield a comparable proportion of 57 per cent.
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes not the hon. Gentleman believe that the Treasury is 210 taking too big a slice out of the amount of money that is received from motorists? Does not he also agree that congestion on the roads today is costing the economy of the country quite a few hundred million pounds each year? Would not the hon. Gentleman consider making a greater grant to the Ministry of Transport so that more roads can be constructed? So far this year only 7½ miles of motorway will be opened. Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that more money should be spent on the roads?
§ Mr. GreenI think that the hon. Gentleman has asked me two separate questions. The revenue from motor vehicle duties, petrol tax and so on paid by the motorist as such goes to the common Exchequer pool. It is not hypothecated—I believe that is the correct term—to a specific purpose. The question whether we should devote more of the total yield of taxes—not just one class of tax—to roads and road services is really a matter for my right hon. Friend, but it does involve the whole balance of investment in this country. I agree that one could have a separate debate on that.