Road Programme

HC Deb 03 May 1960 vol 622 cc863-4

13. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of States for Scotland how many schemes in the road programme, approved prior to March, 1957, have not yet been completed.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Of the 21 schemes costing over £100,000 listed in the Appendices to the Roads, etc. (Scotland) Estimate, 1957–58, four trunk and four classified road schemes have not been completed. Of the latter, the Forth road bridge was not fully authorised until 1958.

Mr. McInnes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the Official Report of 25th June, 1957, his estimates were that there would be only three schemes altogether not completed by 1960? Can he indicate why the delay on the others?

Mr. Macpherson

I think that they have gone more or less according to plan. The four trunk road schemes should be completed this year. The others, the Forth-Clyde tunnel and the Inverness suspension bridge, should both be completed in 1961–62 and the Forth road bridge, as the hon. Member knows, in the financial year 1963–64.

Mr. Woodburn

Could the hon. Gentleman tell us whether money which was authorised and not spent has remained in the Scottish kitty or whether it has been handed back to the Treasury? Does this mean that the limitation which the Secretary of State for Scotland placed the other day on his programme on purely financial grounds, while people and materials are unemployed and unused, is due to the fact that the Treasury has got away with savings because of these delays?

Mr. Macpherson

I should like to have notice of that question, but my recollection is that if money is not taken up on authorisation it falls.

20. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for improvement of the trunk roads in south-west Scotland.

Mr. N. Macpherson

At present four major improvement schemes, each costing more than £100,000, are in progress in south-west Scotland at a total cost of over £2 million. In addition, 15 smaller schemes are in progress or will be authorised during the current financial year at a total cost of over £300,000.

Mr. Ross

When are these major schemes likely to be completed?

Mr. Macpherson

The Howford scheme is due to be completed in Summer, 1961; the Kilwinning by-pass in Spring, 1962; the Ayr by-pass in Summer, 1961; and the improvement from Malletsheugh to Eastwood Toll in summer, 1962.