§ 7. Mr. Nicholas Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Wales how much of the special sums allocated for infrastructure improvement in Wales have now been allocated to specific projects; and how many of these projects will be started in the current financial year.
§ 19. Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales what part of the capital grant for improvement of infrastructure has already been taken up by local authorities in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe infrastructure programme covers a wide range of major and minor works, many of which will be initiated by local authorities. It is not therefore possible to give a detailed breakdown project by project, but I am circulating a broad breakdown in the OFFICIAL REPORT. A high proportion of the works will be started before April, 1972.
§ Mr. EdwardsI welcome the expenditure of £21 million on these important objectives, but may I ask my right hon. and learned Friend whether he is satisfied that the work is being brought forward with sufficient speed and whether, particularly in the local authority areas, it is in any way being restricted by the tightness of local authority budgets?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMy hon. Friend is quite right; the figure is about £21 million. Local authorities have responded with enthusiasm. A large number of projects, dealing with roads, schools and hospitals, will not require any local authority contribution.
§ The information is as follows:
| SERVICES FOR WHICH THE WELSH OFFICE IS RESPONSIBLE | ||
| £m. | £m. | |
| Schools | 3.65 | |
| Roads | 2.6 | |
| Hospitals | 3.0 | |
| Locally determined schemes and other items | 8.45 | |
| 17.70 | ||
| Expenditure by other Government Departments | 3.3 | |
| 21.00 |