§ 71. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the capital expenditure on classified roads in Scotland for 1961–62 is to be less than that authorised for 1960–61.
§ Mr. MaclayA number of factors have caused the estimated expenditure on classified roads to be slightly higher in 1960–61 than in 1961–62. The former year contains a special addition made in connection with road developments near Bathgate and part of the cost of the additional schemes authorised at the end of 1958–59 in areas of relatively high unemployment. The local authorities' lower contribution in 1961–62 reflects in part the fact that the contribution by the constituent authorities to the cost of the Forth Road Bridge will be exhausted during 1960–61. It must be appreciated that these estimates reflect commitments entered into from about 1955 onwards and that new commitments next year are expected to be higher than those in this year.