§ 8. Mr. Chapmanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in order the eight programmes of public expenditure which he expects will grow the fastest between 1971–72 and 1975–76.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanThe figures for each of the 21 programmes are given in Table 1.2 of the recent public expenditure White Paper (Cmnd. 4829). The 240 eight programmes showing the highest percentage increases are common services, arts, roads, overseas aid, law and order, miscellaneous local services, health and personal social services and education.
§ Mr. ChapmanWhilst I applaud the general trend in the White Paper on increased Government expenditure, and welcome the new road construction and realise that it shows one of the highest average annual rates of expenditure, does my hon. Friend agree that at least a sum equivalent to a proportion of the extra expenditure on roads should be spent on minimising and alleviating the pollution that will result from such expenditure? Can he arrange the stewardship of the finances of this country to ensure that that happens?
§ Mr. MacmillanThe pollution caused by more motor cars using better roads is a separate matter, which would be better dealt with under the appropriate part of the expenditure figures rather than as part of the road construction programme.