HC Deb 10 August 1966 vol 733 cc1695-6
29. Mr. Deedes

Mr. Swingler

The scheme had to be re-examined when it became clear that its estimated cost would be significantly increased.

Mr. Deedes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the time lag between submission and authorisation of most of the major Kent road projects, including this now amounts to as much as 17 months and that this is a very extravagant and wasteful way of going about a road programme?

Mr. Swingler

I cannot accept that. In this case the difference in considering what was an £11,000 increase when the tenders were invited by the authority on an £110,000 scheme was a matter of less than two months. In fact the cost of the scheme has now increased by £7,000. It has now been programmed rather less than two months later than had been planned, taking into account the deferment measure.