HC Deb 15 June 1966 vol 729 cc1447-8
27. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now give the date for the start of the Fife regional road linking the Forth and Tay road bridges.

Mr. Ross

I cannot at this juncture fix a starting date. We are at present trying to settle the line of the road, which it is proposed should run from Pitreavie to Leven, and thereafter I should have to obtain powers to construct it.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend give any idea of the time schedule in this matter? Does he not recognise that it is very important that this road should be given a start, in view of the very much increased congestion on all Fife roads as a direct consequence of the opening of the Forth Bridge?

Mr. Ross

No, it would not he possible at the moment to indicate when it could be started. There are certain complexities in relation to the siting of the road, the objections of the National Coal Board, the working reserves, the question of subsidence and many other complex matters.

Mr. MacArthur

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is a very important interdependence between this road and the Forth Bridge-to-Perth Road? Is it still his intention or hope to complete the new motorway to Perth by 1970?

Mr. Ross

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question I shall be glad to answer it.