§ 16. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to stimulate the local authorities in the growth area of Central Fife to improve road communications to give speedier access to Turnhouse and Edinburgh, as stated in Command Paper No. 2188, in view of the need for such action to attract potential industrialists to the area.
§ Mr. NobleFollowing a meeting which my noble Friend the Minister of State had with local authorities in the Central Fife growth area, the detailed provision of services in the area is now being dealt with by joint teams of officials from the Central Departments and the local authorities. The road improvements south of the Forth, to which the White Paper refers, are being planned in detail by consulting engineers.
§ Mr. GourlayThe right hon. Gentleman has made no reference whatsoever to the road improvements which are 384 essential on the north side of the river. Does this mean that the Minister has no faith in his White Paper—A Programme for Development and Growth—in these areas? If this White Paper means anything it means that we are going to attract more industry to Glenrothes and other parts of Central Fife. Is it not, therefore, incumbent upon the right hon. Gentleman to see that the necessary road facilities are provided in the area? It is not the local authorities which require stimulation but the right hon. Gentleman's Department. When will he do something about it?
§ Mr. NobleWe are doing a great deal of planning in respect of an additional road for Fife. The exact route which the hon. Member may be thinking about—which at least one section of Fife wants rather than the other route—is a matter for debate and consideration.