HC Deb 16 December 1970 vol 808 cc335-6W
65. Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that a level of expenditure of 7 per cent. annually of public investment in new construction has only been reached in the Northern Region once in the past six years, and that public investment in 1968 to 1969 was worth £62 per capita in Scotland as against £48 in the Northern Region; and if he will give an assurance that the share of the Northern Region will be increased.

Mr. Graham Page

A level of 7 per cent. was reached in both 1968–69 and 1969–70. The Government intend to press on with the further improvement of the infrastructure in the Northern Region and other assisted areas. But I cannot give assurances about the future share of public investment for any particular area.