HC Deb 05 December 1967 vol 755 c272W
Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister of Transport how much was spent on road construction and road improvements by the Government in each of the years from 1963–64 to 1967–68.

Mr. Swingler

Exchequer expenditure on new construction and major improvement of roads in Great Britain was:

£ million
1963–64 119.9
1964–65 147.1
1965–66 145.0
1966–67 172.2

A comparable estimate for 1967–68 is not available. From 1st April, 1967, the definition "new construction and improvements", which includes certain former minor improvements, has superseded the previous definition, "new construction and major improvements". On the other hand the introduction from the same date of the rate support grant means that specific Exchequer grant is no longer payable in respect of new construction and improvements on Class II and III roads. Exchequer expenditure on new construction and improvements of motorways, trunk roads and principal roads in 1967–68 is expected to be in the range of £230 million to £235 million.

Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister of Transport how much was spent on road construction and road improvements by local government authorities in each of the years from 1963–64 to 1967–68.

Mr. Swingler

Local authority expenditure on new construction and major improvement of roads in Great Britain was:

£ million
1963–64 31.2
1964–65 35.8
1965–66 36.3
1966–67 31.8

A comparable figure for 1967–68 is not available.