HC Deb 23 October 1968 vol 770 cc1258-9
4. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to classify as a trunk route the A94 Perth to Stonehaven road.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

I have nothing to add to my reply of 22nd May to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Dewar).—[Vol. 765, c. 82.]

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that at that time he said he would be in a position to take a decision in the summer of this year? Why is there this delay? Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that this route is vital, not only to the areas around it, but to the development of the North-East? Will he give this a much greater priority than he has done so far?

Dr. Mabon

I think the hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. He may recall that on 22nd May I said that the decision would be taken at the end of the complete Tayside study, and that will not be ready until toward the end of next year. It is important that we should get this right.

Mr. Dewar

Does not my hon. Friend realise that that would mean that no real action could be taken on this vital route until well into the late 'seventies, and that this is a very unsatisfactory situation, which is leading to great frustration in the North-East?

Dr. Mabon

I must correct my hon. Friend. Approved schemes for improving the A94 are eligible for 75 per cent, direct grant aid. The decision on improvements lies with the local highway authorities. Later we can decide whether it should be a trunk road.