§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the reasons for the proposed reduction in planned spending by his Department under the "Environment" heading in 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95.
§ Mr. HowardThis heading comprises a variety of spending programmes including new towns, the urban block, Property Holdings, Ordnance Survey and the Office of Water Services as well as environmental initiatives. Forecast outturn for 1992–93 and the revised provision for 1993–94 and 1994–95 are higher than in previous plans.
The year on year changes between 1992–93 and 1994–95 reflect a number of factors, including a change in the forecast of receipts from the disposal of new towns assets. Provision rises throughout the period on the environment, countryside and wildlife block of expenditure programmes within the overall "Environment" heading.