§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what grounds his decision was made to consult outside bodies on his Department's arrangements for local authority transport expenditure; on what basis outside bodies are intended to respond to his Department's request for information; what information has been provided by his Department to outside bodies for consideration of these matters and his Department's developing position; and if he is contemplating changes in expenditure arrangements, specifically in relation to transport supplementary grants.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyAs part of the continuing programme to review efficiency of Government Departments, the Department of Transport is carrying out408W an efficiency scrutiny of its activities in relation to local authorities' capital expenditure on roads. As is usual for such scrutinies, the examining officer is seeking the views of outside bodies that may have an interest in the activities under review. Information on the present arrangements is already generally available. We have no immediate plans to change the arrangements for transport supplementary grant. We shall consider suggestions for change including any which arise from the present review.