HC Deb 13 December 1978 vol 960 cc652-3
16. Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will further delay Government plans to de-trunk the A92 coastal route to Aberdeen through South Angus until such time as a Forfar bypass is completed and in operation.

Mr. McElhone

No. It has already been decided that responsibility for expenditure on two trunk roads in this area cannot be accepted after 31st March 1979.

Mr. Welsh

I am disappointed at the Government's refusal to retain trunk status for the A92, but will the Minister look again at the problems which will be created for Forfar until the necessary bypass is completed? Will he see what steps he can take to bring improvements to the Dundee-Arbroath road, bearing in mind the special needs in the villages of Muirdrum and Marywell?

Mr. McElhone

I cannot comment on that, but I shall discuss it with the hon. Gentleman and refer to my right hon. Friend who takes care of this within the Scottish Office.

Mr. Younger

Is the Minister aware that it is grossly unfair on local authorities for a road to be de-trunked before its replacement is in a proper condition to receive the traffic? Will he, therefore, reconsider this matter, not only in this case but as a general matter of policy?

Mr. McElhone

The hon. Gentleman must be fair to the SDD. The coastal route which we are leaving as a de-trunked road is of a high standard, and the road that we are accepting—the inner route—needs a lot of attention. I accept that, and money is being spent as quickly as possible.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Does the hon. Gentleman really believe that the coastal route is of a high standard? Has he ever driven through Montrose? Is he not aware of the desperate need for a relief road from Montrose, and what will he do about that?

Mr. McElhone

I know that it is election year, but we should get things into their proper perspective. In all seriousness, my noble Friend who has day-to-day responsibility for these matters and the officials to whom I have spoken within SDD have assured me that the standard of the coastal route is very high indeed.