§ Mr. Emeryasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the amended figures showing the decrease in real terms at 1967–68 prices of the estimated expenditure on the maintenance of minor roads in 1969–70 compared with 1967–68 and 1968–69.
§ Mr. MarshUnder the terms of Cmnd. 3515 (Public Expenditure in 1968–69 and 1969–70) local authorities were asked to make a 15 per cent. cut in their road expenditure in 1968–69 and 1969–70. As the figures in the reply of 23rd May showed, they do not appear to have succeeded in making this reduction in the first year: but in the Rate Support Grant negotiations for 1969–70 and 1970–71, the need for continued restriction on the expenditure was stressed, and the determination of the grant reflected this view.—[Vol. 784 c. 174–5.]