HC Deb 21 November 1973 vol 864 cc1330-1
21. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in the redevelopment of the Springburn district of Glasgow and in the construction of the Springburn expressway.

Mr. Younger

Redevelopment proposals for Springburn were approved earlier this year, and I expect formal confirmation of related compulsory purchase orders to be given very shortly.

The Springburn expressway is a matter for Glasgow Corporation and Lanark County Council. No proposals for its construction have yet been submitted to the Secretary of State.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I am gratified at the speed with which the proposals have gone through the development department? Is he aware that many parts of the Spring-burn district are lying derelict awaiting formalisation of the plans for the expressway? Will the Government consider denoting clearly to the people in the area why such demolition is taking place, whether for houses, schools, expressways or factories? Secondly, with regard to the expressway, is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the most congested route out of Glasgow to the North and that it should not be unduly delayed by a lack of decision on where or why the expressway should bypass Bishopbriggs?

Mr. Younger

I agree that this is a matter of deep concern to all those who live in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. That is why we have been doing all we can to speed this up. It is at the moment a question of waiting for the corporation and the county council to produce their proposals for the expressway. When they have produced their proposals I will consider them as quickly as I can and will see whether I can do anything to bring home to the people in the area the reasons why this redevelopment has to take place.