§ 34. Mr. Doigasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further developments are planned for the region of the Tay Valley.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonA feasibility study of the Tayside region will shortly be put in hand in implementation of the plans outlined in the White Paper on the Scottish Economy, and of the Government statement last June about feasibility studies of Tayside, Severnside and Humberside.
§ Mr. DoigWe welcome this Answer. We should like to know if planning consultants have yet been engaged for furthering these plans and who is responsible for engaging the consultants. Is it the Department's responsibility, or is it the responsibility of the Tayside Development Group?
§ Dr. MabonThe study itself is to be carried out by consultants appointed by the Secretary of State. The Tayside Consultative Group will be closely associated with it from the outset. The Secretary of State will shortly make this appointment, it is hoped, and I have been asked by him to visit the Tayside Consultative Group and discuss the matter with it.
§ Sir J. GilmourAs the future of the Tay Valley must largely depend on transport facilities, would the hon. Gentleman take steps at once to make the trunk road from Melville Crossroads to Tay Bridge eligible for a 100 per cent. grant?
§ Dr. MabonIt is true that we act quicker than the Conservative Government, but we must consult various people. The proposal was put to us only recently. There are other consequences involved from the report. I will not comment on it. We are discussing the matter.