Public Expenditure

HC Deb 21 December 1973 vol 866 cc468-9W

Mr. Buchan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give an assurance that the development of community centres and youth wings in Renfrewshire will not be held back as a result of the Chancellor's statement on Monday 17th December.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I have asked the authorities concerned to make savings in capital expenditure and I can, therefore, give no assurance that projects for community centres and youth wings will not be affected.

Mr. Buchan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give an assurance that no road works planned or under construction in Renfrewshire will be held back as a result of the Chancellor's statement on 17th December.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The intention is that road works under construction will be allowed to proceed, and the implications for schemes on which work has not started are being examined.

Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the public expenditure cuts for Scotland.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen).

Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the amount by which he plans to reduce expenditure for 1974–75 and in the balance of the current year as a result of the statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 17th December, indicating the main areas where such reductions will take place; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The amounts involved in 1974–75 are estimated to be about £55 million of capital expenditure and £16 million of current expenditure. The reductions will affect all services for which I am responsible except investment in the energy industries, infrastructure in support of them—for example, roads and water and sewerage schemes necessary to support oil developments—and new house building. It is too early to give details by projects or services.

The savings which will be made in the remainder of 1973–74 will depend on the way in which the reductions are arranged and I cannot at present give figures for these savings.