§ 10. Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the anticipated expenditure, at constant prices, on the construction and improvement of trunk and principal roads between 1970 and 1975; how much of this will be provided direct by the central Government; and what were the equivalent sums expended under these headings during the previous corresponding period of five years.
§ Mr. YoungerOver the five financial years from 1970–71 to 1974–75 the total expenditure at 1970 prices is estimated at £234 million of which £204 million will be provided by the Government. Information at the same prices is not available for earlier years, but from 1965–66 to 1969–70 actual expenditure was £156 million, of which £139 million was met by the Government.
§ Sir J. GilmourIn view of that satis factory increase in expenditure, will my hon. Friend agree that the continuing expansion of the trunk road system is absolutely essential to the industrial wellbeing of Scotland?
§ Mr. YoungerI entirely agree. We are pressing ahead with the road programme as fast as we can.