HC Deb 12 May 1970 vol 801 cc1045-6
11. Mr. Ellis

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what expenditure he has sanctioned in the Bristol area in each of the last five years.

Mr. Loughlin

Not all the information is readily available. However, the main expenditure on capital and running costs for accommodation provided by the Ministry, including that for the Post Office and other repayment clients, in and around Bristol was for the five years starting 1965–66 as follows:

Mr. Ellis

Will my hon. Friend confirm that this marks a significant increase in the amount of expenditure in the Bristol area? Will he accept my congratulations to his Department and the Government, as this reflects the Government's intention, and their carrying-out of that intention, to provide the citizens of Bristol with telephones and a greater degree of public services than ever before?

Hon. Members

Too long.

Mr. Loughlin

Some hon. Members say " Too long ". I thought that my hon. Friend's supplementary question was almost too good. I can confirm that the expenditure is a substantial improvement on the yearly expenditure in the last five years in office of the Conser- vative Party. I thank my hon. Friend for his congratulations.