HC Deb 16 December 1964 vol 704 cc365-6
13. Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what dates it is proposed to start construction of the dual-carriageways from Underwood-house to Hill Tollbar and from Hill Tollbar to Mossband railway bridge on the A.74 Glasgow-Carlisle trunk road.

Mr. Ross

I hope that it will be possible to authorise both schemes in 1966–67.

Mr. Monro

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is widespread feeling in the south of Scotland that the advance south over the Border of this important new road is being delayed because England is dragging her feet? Will he consult his Scottish right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport to see if something can be done about it?

Mr. Ross

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I have already consulted my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport about this. Do not blame us for the delay, for this road was started in 1938.

Mr. Steele

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I received a letter from one of his predecessors in 1955 indicating that this double carriageway road from Carlisle to Uddingston would be completed by 1965? How far are we from that promise?

Mr. Ross

I must resist the temptation to be political. I am trying to be very non-political today.

Mr. G. Campbell

In the same vein, does the Secretary of State agree that this is an important industrial artery for Scotland? Will he keep up the momentum of the work on this dual carriageway, not since 1938 but of more recent years?

Mr. Ross

I never had any doubt that this was an important industrial artery for Scotland.