Roads Programme

Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 25 July 1957.

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Photo of Sir Richard Pilkington Sir Richard Pilkington , Poole 12:00, 25 July 1957

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the percentage of present investment in the roads programme as compared with that in electricity, coal and railways, respectively.

Photo of Mr Enoch Powell Mr Enoch Powell , Wolverhampton South West

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will with permission publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Photo of Sir Richard Pilkington Sir Richard Pilkington , Poole

In view of the fact that the percentage is, I have no doubt, extremely small, does not my hon. Friend think that there should be a review in order to increase the very necessary expenditure on the roads programme?

Photo of Mr Enoch Powell Mr Enoch Powell , Wolverhampton South West

I think that, when he studies them, my hon. and gallant Friend will find that the figures do cast an interesting light upon the proportions.

Following is the information:

The figures for 1956 are as follows:—
£ millionPer cent.
Total gross fixed investment3,139100
Road transport—
Roads and public lighting290·9
Road vehicles—
public passenger vehicles190·6
goods vehicles1444·6
cars*1223·9
Total vehicles2859·1
Railways—
Rolling stock652·1
Other270·8
Total railways†922·9
Electricity†2477·9
Coal mining†842·7
* Business expenditure only.
† Includes small amounts for road vehicles.