HC Deb 14 April 1969 vol 781 cc219-20W
Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has informed local authorities in Scotland, in his Department's circular dated 7th March, that they will have to cut back

public funds in the years 1959–60, 1964–65 and the estimate for 1968–69.

Mr. Ross

The particulars are set out in the following table:

their normal road maintenance programmes severely in the next two years.

Mr. Ross

The circular explains—as likely to be relevant to the preparation of their budgets by individual authorities—some of the considerations underlying the figures in the Rate Support Grant (Scotland) Order, 1969. In the case of highways and roads lighting these were, as I told the House on 20th February, that a substantial contribution to the necessary economies could be made, and must be looked for, in this field.