HC Deb 03 May 1960 vol 622 cc868-9
21. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the by-pass on the Kilmarnock-Ayr road.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Work started on the first stage of the by-pass in November, 1959, and is due to be completed by July, 1961, but if the present rate of progress is maintained the work should be substantially completed early in 1961.

Mr. Ross

In the hon. Gentleman's answer to my supplementary question previously, in referring to one of these large schemes, he meant its first phase. Will he consider the wisdom of proceeding on this basis now that he has discovered that the Victoria Bridge, in Ayr, which was temporarily to carry by-pass traffic, has to be rebuilt in order that it can sustain the present level of traffic?

Mr. Macpherson

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down, when I shall be only too glad to try to answer it.

Mr. Ross

I wrote to the Minister about this. Here is a bridge which is to carry by-pass traffic until such time as a new—[HON. MEMBERS: "Question."]

Mr. Speaker

We may waste such a long time if no recital is allowed.

Mr. Ross

Now this bridge has to be rebuilt. Am I to understand that the Minister did not do anything about this?

Mr. Macpherson

I do not want to give an answer off the cuff in this matter. I have answered the Question on the Order Paper.