§ Sir J. Edenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he has accepted a level of local transport expenditure for Dorset in 1975–76 45 per cent. below the level for the current year; and what effect this will have on the progress of the Bournemouth town centre bypass.
§ Mr. CarmichaelIn allocating transport supplementary grant for 1975–76, inescapable commitments had to be given first call. On counties' own estimates, they amounted to about 90 per cent. of the national total of accepted expenditure. The margin of accepted expenditure available to Dorset, after meeting commitments, is above average for England as a whole and should be sufficient for a limited programme of new schemes starting in 1975–76. Whether this will 243W include a further stage of the Bournemouth Town Centre Bypass is a matter for Dorset County Council.