HC Deb 30 June 1976 vol 914 cc370-1
5. Mr. Michael Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has held recently with Lothian Regional Council about trunk roads in the region.

Mr. McElhone

The Scottish Development Department has regular contact with the council on trunk road matters.

Mr. Hutchison

Will the Minister do his best to ensure that the building of roads in Edinburgh does not involve the destruction of good and sound property, as have some of the insane proposals in the past? Will he have a word with the Minister for Transport and the regional council about the possibility of increased rail transport on the old suburban railways of Edinburgh?

Mr. McElhone

I shall certainly pass on to my hon. Friend the hon. Gentleman's latter comments. I share his concern about the road programme in Edinburgh. The Lothian Regional Council has recently published a green paper setting out its proposals for the relief of blight created by road programmes in Edinburgh and the council is now considering comments on that document. As trunk roads are not involved, it is a matter for the authority. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman gets a copy of the green paper from the council. If he is unable to do so, I shall try to help him.

Mr. Lambie

Will my hon. Friend put pressure on the Secretary of State to meet a deputation that I have arranged with Transport Action Scotland to discuss the provision of a motorway link from North Ayrshire to the motorway system? Is he aware that some of us are beginning to think about organising a petition in the House on the lines of "Come back Willie, all is forgiven" when we see the actions of the present Secretary of State?

Mr. Millan

I might sign it myself.

Mr. McElhone

My hon. Friend the Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Lambie) has made some of his typically helpful comments. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is writing to him on this matter.

Mr. David Steel

I do not expect an expansion of the road programme in a period of economic restraint, but will the Minister say whether any planning is being done on the need to provide a ring road for Edinburgh?

Mr. McElhone

I know that the hon. Gentleman has covered a lot of road recently. We wish him some success from his travels. I have noted what he said and I shall pass it on to my noble Friend Lord Kirkhill, who has responsibility for these matters.

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