§ Mr. Wallerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the planned local authority road construction budget for 1981–82, 1982–83 and 1983–84; what was the outturn in each year; what was the percentage underspending in each year; what action he has taken to reduce the scope for underspending in 1984–85; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe following table gives the provision for local authority road construction; outturn; and percentage underspend for the years requested:
£ million cash 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 Provision 349 417 478 Outturn 318 *397 † Percentage underspend 9 5 — * Provisional outturn. † The latest available (third quarter) capital payments returns do not provide an adequate basis for forecasting outturn for road construction. In accepting expenditure for transport supplementary grant in 1984–85, we have taken account of authorities' past spending record. We are now reviewing the TSG system with a view to providing greater encouragement for authorities to carry out desirable road improvements.