§ 3. Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Wales what cuts in public expenditure are to be made in Wales in each of the years 1973–74 and 1974–75 as a result of the proposed cuts announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 21st May.
§ 5. Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated cut in public expenditure in Wales for the current year and the year 1974–75.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI refer the hon. Members to my reply of 25th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen).—[Vol. 857, c. 217–218.]
§ Mr. RoderickWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman explain the need for the public expenditure cuts?
§ Mr. ThomasThe need for the cuts was adequately explained to the House by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. JonesWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman give us some idea of the effect that the cuts will have on locally determined schemes which bear so heavily on the quality of life of our community? Secondly, will he give us some assurance that they will in no way affect the aid—for example, accommodation and equipment—which is provided for disabled people?
§ Mr. ThomasQuite a large part of the saving of £7½ million will be borne by miscellaneous local services. The hon. Gentleman will know that in recent years there has been a considerable increase in expenditure. There has been an increase from £63 million in 1971–72 to a projected £75 million in 1975–76 and £79 million in 1976–77. That will be partly in the locally determined sector but will include some rephasing of expenditure which will fall within other sectors not immediately related to housing.
§ Sir A. MeyerAre not the daily announcements of new jobs and the expansion of Welsh firms sufficient justification for the Government's economic policy and for the cuts necessary to enable that policy to continue?
§ Mr. ThomasYes.