HC Deb 15 November 1976 vol 919 cc443-6W
Mr. Wm Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the effects of the public expenditure cuts announced on 22nd July 1976 on the new road programme in Northern Ireland for the next five years; and what are the savings as a total sum and as a percentage of the original sum.

Mr. Carter

The public expenditure cuts announced on 22nd July 1976 applied to the financial year 1977–78 and reduced provision for the roads programme in Northern Ireland in that year by £2 million. Savings of £1.2 million on major road works will result in eight schemes being postponed by an average of eight months each. There will be a saving of £0.8 million on roads operation and maintenance. The £2 million cut represents 4 per cent. of the total roads service provision for capital works and operation and maintenance.

Mr. Wm Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the total amount saved in the current financial year and the next two financial years in Northern Ireland as a result of the announcement on public expenditure of 22nd July 1976; and what percentage this is in each case of the original sums;

(2) if he has completed his assessment of the effects of the statement of 22nd July 1976 made by his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on public expenditure on the public works programme in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the amount of cut-back in expenditure on education in Northern Ireland which arises as a result of the announcement on public expenditure of 22nd July 1976 expressed as a total sum and as a percentage of the original sums in the current financial year and for the next two financial years;

(2) what is the amount of cut-back in expenditure on education in the Western area and in the Londonderry, Coleraine and Limavady council areas which arises as a result of the announcement on public expenditure of 22nd July 1976 expressed in each case as a total sum and as a percentage of the original sums in the current financial year and the next two financial years;

(3) what is the amount of cutback in expenditure on hospital services in Northern Ireland which arises as a result of the announcement on public expenditure of 22nd July 1976, in Northern Ireland totally, and in the Londonderry, Lurgan, Coleraine and Limavady council areas, respectively, in the current financial year and the next two financial years expressed as a total sum and as a percentage of the original sums.

(4) what are the effects of the public expenditure cuts announced on 22nd July 1976 on the housing programme in Northern Ireland for the next five years.

(5) what are the effects of the public expenditure cuts announced on 22nd July 1976 on the water and sewerage programme for the next five years in Northern Ireland; and what is the total sum of the cutback and as a percentage of the original sums.

Mr. Carter

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the projects cancelled, postponed or extended in time for completion in the Londonderry, Coleraine and Limavady council areas, respectively, as a result of the cuts in public expenditure announced on 22nd July 1976; what are the new starting and completion dates; and what are the savings in each category as a total sum in each category and as a percentage of the original sums.

Mr. Mason

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

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