HC Deb 22 February 1956 vol 549 cc48-9W
110. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent the railway modernisation programme and the recently announced programme for improvement of canals and inland waterways, respectively, are to be curtailed; and the total saving in each case to enable the British Transport Commission to save £22 million of capital expenditure.

Mr. Watkinson

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on the economic situation which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made on 17th February in which he said that the Commission would be spending more this year than last year in order to make a start with the railway re-equipment and modernisation plan. Priorities generally will be carefully examined to get the best value in increased operating efficiency for the resources employed.

The answer to the second part of the Question is £12 million from the railways, £9 million from British Road Services, and £1 million all told from the rest of the Commission's activities.

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