HC Deb 14 May 1957 vol 570 cc198-9
20. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how long he anticipates it will take to complete the work in progress on the improvement of the Ayr— Kilmarnock road at the northern boundary of Prestwick.

Mr. N. Macpherson

My right hon. Friend hopes that the strengthening and widening of the railway bridge will be completed by the autumn; only one-way traffic is in operation now but two-way traffic should be resumed by the end of next month. The diversion of the road at Prestwick Airport will be completed this week and is already open to traffic

Mr. Ross

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it was rather unfortunate to have these schemes within a hundred yards of one another going on at the same time? It is satisfactory to know that the one at Prestwick Airport is more or less complete, but it is not very good news to know that it will take until the autumn for the widening of this bridge. Surely it could have been got on with much quicker than that?

Mr. Macpherson

I am certain that the contractors will get on with this work with all urgency.

Mr. Woodburn

Is it not about time that the more comprehensive scheme was started of putting the road below ground level to make room for the new runway to meet the needs of new aircraft?

Mr. Macpherson

We will consider that.