§ 2. Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the Hibbs Report, a copy of which has been sent to him, on the Waverley railway route in relation to the economic future of the Borders; and what action he proposes to take.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. David Steel) on 18th December.—[Vol. 775, c. 395.]
§ Mr. MonroDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that this valuable Report highlights the importance of communications in the Borders? What immediate steps will he take to improve the roads to Newcastleton and the main A.7 from Hawick to Langholm and the South?
§ Mr. RossAs the hon. Gentleman knows, priorities in respect of many of these roads come within the purview of the local authorities concerned, and they are taking all necessary action. One thing the Report brought out was that the rather hysterical protests which went on and on about this were not really justified in relation to the effect which it would have upon the economic and social life of the communities concerned.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsAs good communications are essential in the successful redevelopment of any region, will not the closure of the line detract much from the good of the enormous investment grants which are being pumped into the country?
§ Mr. RossNo, Sir. It is interesting to note that in other parts of this particular area where investment grants are being taken up, and where there is no rail communication, there has been no deleterious effect.