§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Minister of Transport if she will estimate the net effect on the expenditure on new construction and major improvements of roads for 1965–66 and 1966–67, respectively, of the deferment of the 81 major road projects which were due to start between August 1965 and January 1966 and which were 51W deferred for six months, showing the figures for Exchequer and local authority expenditure separately for both years.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe current estimated net effect on expenditure is shown in the following table:
Exchequer Expenditure £ million Local Authority Expenditure 1965–66 -7 -1 1966–67 -15 -3
§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Minister of Transport if she will give the total estimated cost at the time of deferment and the current total estimated cost of the 81 major road projects which were due to start between August 1965 and January 1966 and which were deferred for six months, the part of the total expenditure on the projects which she estimates will occur in the years 1965–66, 1966–67 and 1967–68, respectively, and the number of these projects which have been deferred for six months, between six and nine months, between nine and 12 months, and over 12 months, respectively.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe total estimated cost at the time of deferment and the current total estimated cost (excluding the cost of two schemes which have been superseded) are as follows:
£million At time of deferment Current Exchequer … … 47 47 Local Authority … … 8 8 Total … … 55 55 Information about the part of the total expenditure on these projects estimated to occur in the years referred to is not readily available and the cost of extracting it would be disproportionately high. As regards the last part of the Question, no projects were deferred for more than six months; as explained in an Answer given 52W on 13th May to a Question from the hon. Member for Devizes any additional delay is due to reasons other than the Government's deferment measures.