§ 12. Mr. Gibson-Wattasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether the 15 per cent. cut in road maintenance imposed on local authorities in 1968 is to be repeated in 1969.
§ Mr. Ifor DaviesLocal authorities have been asked to reduce their planned expenditure on highways by 15 per cent. in 1968–69 and 1969–70—but they have been left free to decide how the savings should be achieved. No further cuts are planned for these years.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the continued maintenance of the 15 per cent. cut in road maintenance work on county council roads can do nothing else but lead to the deterioration of roads of this kind? Will the Government make a firm statement that this policy will not be continued?
§ Mr. DaviesDespite the cut, this is more than has ever been done before. In the light of the particular circumstances, I am sure that we can rely upon the local authorities to arrange the order of priorities regarding which projects can be cut with least harm.
§ Mr. HoosonOught not the programme outlined by the Secretary of State this week to be seen in perspective if there is a 15 per cent. cut in road maintenance? Is not this bound to have a cumulative effect, and will the situation in Wales not deteriorate?
§ Mr. DaviesI said that the cut was in connection with 1968–69 and 1969–1970.