§ 14. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the light of representations, he will reconsider the need to improve the A7 trunk route from the M6 link north of Carlisle to Hawick.
§ Mr. RifkindTwo major improvement schemes are planned for this section of the A7 in Scotland. An improvement between Damfoot and Newmill is due to start later this year at a cost of £300,000, and a bypass of Canonbie in 1982 at a cost of £7.7 million. Other smaller schemes are also being considered.
§ Mr. SteelDoes the Under-Secretary of State accept that what is disappointing in the Borders is that, following the loss of the railway, and now the loss of development area status, there is universal recognition that we need major improvements in communications with the South if we are to attract new industry? Welcome though these minor schemes are, is there not a need to upgrade the whole of this section of the road?
§ Mr. RifkindThe right hon. Gentleman is being a little unfair in suggesting that a scheme costing £7.7 million and the improvement between Damfoot and Newmill are minor improvements. Given the level of traffic that uses this road compared with other roads in Scotland, the Government, by this commitment and other starts that are being considered, have shown that the A7 is being given full recognition, as I am sure any fair-minded observer would accept.