§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the the effect of reductions in the programmes of expenditure on roads and local transport in England following the statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 15th December.
§ Mr. William RodgersReductions in expenditure will be obtained by a moratorium from yesterday on all new contracts for about six months on all construction of motorways, trunk roads, local roads, car parks and public transport projects. Existing invitations from my Department to tender for schemes that would have started in the next few months will be withdrawn. I am conscious of the serious effects which these measures will have on road users and on the highway construction industry, but, much as my right hon. Friends and I regret these effects, we accept them as necessary in order to secure the benefit to the country of the measures which my right hon. Friend announced and explained in the House yesterday.