§ 11. Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now announce the line of route of the Dunblane bypass; and if he will indicate the proposed starting date for construction (a) if there is no public inquiry and (b) if a public inquiry is held.
§ Mr. AncramThe orders for the main line and associated side roads for the Dunblane bypass are to be published in draft on 28 February. If no public inquiry is necessary, construction will begin as soon as the statutory procedures are completed and funds can be made available. I hope that this will be possible during the financial year 1987–88. If an inquiry is required, the scheme would be unlikely to start before mid-1988.
§ Mr. ForsythAs this bypass was originally promised by my right hon. Friend the Member for Ayr (Mr. Younger) when he was a candidate in my constituency, may I, on behalf of my constituents, welcome the announcement that my hon. Friend has made? I welcome his assurance that it will be given priority and that it will be under construction in 1987–88 provided that there are no strong objections to the line of route. I am very grateful.
§ Mr. AncramI am grateful to my hon. Friend for the welcome that he has given to my announcement. I can confirm that we attach priority to this scheme, and we are well aware of the beneficial effects that it will have on the community in Dunblane.
§ Mr. Norman HoggIf the Minister is able to say something about Dunblane, can he say when we will be told the line of the M80 motorway between Stepps and Haggs?
§ Mr. AncramThe hon. Gentleman will just have to be patient.