§ 32. Mr. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the progress made with the strengthening 608 of the Banff Bridge on the A.98; and when he expects the work to be completed.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend expects the works to be completed in the middle of July.
§ Mr. BakerIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the great deal of inconvenience caused to local traffic by this work? If the labour force had been doubled, would not the work have been carried out a great deal more quickly? Further, is he aware that on one day last month the local sheriff had to fine no fewer than 40 people for contravention of the traffic signals in the area?
§ Dr. MabonI am not aware of the last circumstance which the hon. Gentleman mentions, but I quite accept what he says about delay because of the one-way traffic. This is unavoidable, I am told, because, by the nature of the site and the work, the number of men is limited and the amount of mechanical plant which the contractor can use is limited. Because of these natural limitations, there has been delay. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will agree that, by continuing work up to the middle of July, we shall get over the biggest part of the inconvenience.