§ 40. Mr. Michael Shawasked the Minister of Transport what is the capital value of trunk road projects to be commenced in the financial year 1968–69; what percentage increase this represents compared with the financial year 1964–65; and what was the comparable percentage increase in the four-year period ended 1963–64.
Mr. Bob BrownAuthorisations in respect of new construction and improvements of motorways and trunk roads in England and Wales should total about £220 million in 1968–69, an increase of about 104 per cent. over the total authorisations issued in 1964–65 in respect of new construction and major improvements. The total authorisations for the four years are expected to exceed £750 million. The increase between 1959–60 and 1963–64 was 118 per cent. when the total new construction and major improvements authorised by the previous Administration over the four years came to only £394 million.
§ Mr. Michael ShawIs not the trend completely in the wrong direction, and what are the Government doing to reverse that trend for the future?
Mr. Bob BrownNo. Decidedly not. I do not accept this at all. The contemplated level of expenditure on new construction and improvements in 1968–69 is about four times the expenditure of 1959–60 and twice as great as the 1963–64 figure.