HC Deb 18 July 1973 vol 860 cc473-4
14. Mr. Adam Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has had requesting reconsideration of the question of a bypass road at Hillend in Fife and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Younger

I have received one recent representation, from the hon. Member himself. In view of the proposals for construction of the East Fife regional road I would not feel justified in providing a bypass of Hillend on A92.

Mr. Hunter

I agree that the construction of a bypass at Hillend should not go ahead while the construction of the East Fife regional road is in prospect in the near future, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that the villages of Hillend and Aberdour are suffering from the effects of an ever-increasing volume of heavy traffic? If the regional road is not to materialise soon, should not some consideration be given to the people in that part of Fife in order to relieve them of this ever-growing burden of noise and discomfort? Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House when the regional road is likely to be commenced?

Mr. Younger

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter with me on many occasions. I very much sympathise with those who live in the village of Hillend, because of the traffic problems from which they are suffering. In consultation with Fife County Council we are making satisfactory progress in the preliminary proceedings for deciding the line for the East Fife regional road. I am hopeful that if the consultations, which are nearly complete, continue satisfactorily we shall soon be able to make a firm placing for it in the programme. That being the case, I feel that we should concentrate on the East Fife regional road in order to secure some relief for the people affected.

Mr. MacArthur

Will my hon. Friend request the road authorities in East Scotland in general to take particular care that they do not become the victims of land gazumping in and around the city of Dundee?

Mr. Younger

I deplore action by anyone which unnecessarily increases the price of land and houses, and it would be particularly regrettable if that were done by people in local government, but I note what my hon. Friend has said.