HC Deb 29 January 1964 vol 688 cc361-2
34. Mr. Brewis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the approximate cost of improving the Stranraer to Ayr road, A.77, to trunk road standards.

Mr. Noble

Until we have completed the reconstruction of the trunk roads in Central Scotland which carry heavy industrial traffic, it will not be possible to contemplate comprehensive works on this road. No estimate of the possible cost has therefore been made.

Mr. Brewis

Is my right hon. friend aware that Ayrshire County Council has estimated that its section of this road would cost over half a million pounds? Would it not be better, as it will be very expensive to provide adequate alternative travel facilities, to keep the railway open and not to go into this rather expensive exercise?

Mr. Noble

I have to await the result of the T.U.C.C.'s consideration before committing myself on the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question. Certainly, south of Girvan the traffic is still fairly light for this road.

Mr. Brewis

Will my right hon. Friend say that the T.U.C.C. can take that sort of point into consideration?

Mr. Noble

I am afraid I must tell my hon. Friend that it cannot be so; it is considering solely hardship.

Mr. Manuel

Does the Secretary of State not recognise that this is causing growing resentment throughout Scotland? Certain lines are listed for closure or withdrawal of passenger services, and there is no blueprint for road improvement works. If this line is listed for withdrawal of passenger services, surely his Department has some idea of what the cost of road improvement would be?

Mr. Noble

I did not say that my Department had no idea. I said that it had not done a detailed study of the case. There is a considerable difference between the two.