Transport and Roads (Expenditure)

HC Deb 17 March 1976 vol 907 cc561-2W

37. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the current proportion of Government expenditure on (a) public transport and (b) roads.

Mr. Marks

In 1975–76 public transport accounts for about 2.3 per cent. and roads for about 2.8 per cent. of public expenditure.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money was made available to each county council for highways improvements in the year 1975–76; and what was the amount taken up by each council.

Mr. Marks

Expenditure by county councils and the GLC on transport, including highways improvements, is grant-aided through the transport supplementary grant. This is a block grant to each authority in respect of its total estimated expenditure on transport. Precisely how the grant is spent is a matter for individual councils.