§ 15. Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take action to expedite progress on the Musselburgh bypass.
§ Mr. YoungerPlans for the Mussel-burgh bypass are well advanced, but before they can be finalised the future pattern of roads in the south-east of Edinburgh needs to be established. This is a matter for Edinburgh Corporation.
§ Mr. StrangWhile thanking the Minister for that answer and the full reply which I received last night to my letters on this subject, may I stress to him that there is a great deal of hardship and resentment in Musselburgh because this bypass is long overdue? Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, as soon as we have a decision from Edinburgh on the alignment of the outer city bypass, he will ensure that his officials attach the highest priority to progressing this road?
§ Mr. YoungerI am glad to assure the hon. Gentleman that we in the Scottish Office are concerned about congestion in Musselburgh. Although some parking restrictions have been imposed, they can have only a minimal effect on what is an unfortunate situation. I also give the assurance that we shall do all we can to co-operate with Edinburgh and the other authorities concerned in getting decisions made, and that when they are made we shall press on hard and fast to obtain progress.