§ Sir W. Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Transport what he estimates will be the total expenditure on urban roads in 1970; and if he will break the figures down to show the amounts relating to England, Scotland and Wales, respectively, new construction, major improvements and other works, respectively, specifying the other works, classified roads in all cities, county boroughs and urban districts, respectively, and the expenditure to be undertaken by local authorities.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI expect expenditure on the new construction and major improvement of roads in urban areas in England to amount to about £120 million in 1969–70. Of this about £85 million is likely to be borne by the Exchequer and about £35 million by local authorities. It excludes the construction of estate roads by private developers.
Forecasts of expenditure on other road works are very approximate, but I expect about £80 million to be spent on maintenance and minor improvements of urban roads in England in 1969–70. Of this total about £10 million would be borne by the Exchequer and about £70 million by local authorities.
239WIt is not possible to distinguish so far ahead between expenditure on new construction and expenditure on major improvements, nor between expenditure in the areas of local authorities of different kinds. Comparable figures for 1970–71 are not available yet.
My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales are responsible for expenditure on roads in those countries.