HC Deb 07 April 1971 vol 815 cc440-1
33. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the need for an early start on building the new regional road in East Fife, if he will now give a firm commencement date.

Mr. Younger

Preliminary surveys for this scheme are in progress: until they are completed its priority cannot be finally determined.

Mr. Gourlay

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is a most disappointing reply? In view of the Government's disastrous change in regional development policy, which has caused a considerable run-down in the number of new industries coming to Fife, will be regard the making of the East Fife regional road as a first priority and issue the necessary order at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. Younger

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no hold-up in the process of preparing for this road. Preliminary surveys have involved the survey of 12½ miles of countryside much of which is over ground liable to subsidence and very difficult from the road construction point of view. I can assure the hon. Member that there will be no delay in putting forward these procedures. As soon as these are complete, we shall be able to establish when and how the road can be completed.