HC Deb 14 December 1989 vol 163 cc765-6W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from Yorkshire transport authorities concerning the problems power. The latter can be supplemented by the use of capital receipts. Details of actual borrowing are not available; the table compares highways capital allocation with total highways expenditure.

£ million
Highways capital allocation Total highways expenditure
1985–86 10.280 16.003
1986–87 11.060 14.773
1987–88 9.110 110.978
1988–89 10.540 211.021
1989–90 4.880 39.068
1 Actual.
2 Provisional.
3 Budgeted.

Mr. Watts

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what amounts of transport supplementary grant have been allocated to Berkshire county council in each of the last five years; and how much of the allocation was used by Berkshire county council in each of those years.

Mr. Atkins

Transport supplementary grant is paid at a flat rate of 50 per cent. on an accepted programme of named major (over £1 million) schemes and on an undifferentiated block of minor (under £1 million) works. The table compares Berkshire county council's expenditure accepted for grant in each of these categories with the equivalent outturn information.

caused by shortages of diesel multiple units and maintenance staff; what action is being taken by British Rail to rectify these problems; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

As it happens, I am meeting the West Yorkshire passenger transport authority today. I understand that BR has taken action including pre-planned cancellations, short formations of some trains and operating some loco-hauled trains. BR is keeping the local passenger transport authorities fully in the picture regarding its problems, plans and solutions.