§ 1. Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meetings have been held by the group of officials from his Department, the Department of Transport and highway authorities to monitor improvements to the A1.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Lord James Douglas-Hamilton)The Al steering group, which I have set up, had its first meeting on 21 June. A working group of officials has also been established and has met twice.
§ Mr. BeithWill those groups be able to consider the terrible accidents that result from head-on collisions on the lethal single-carriageway sections of the Al and will they consider the strategic importance of the Great North road to Scotland and northern England? Will the Minister keep an open mind to the evidence that they may provide of the need for a dual carriageway along the whole length of the Al?
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI do not rule out the possibility of a dual carriageway in the long term, but, as traffic levels are only between 5,000 and 7,000 on the road between Dunbar and Newcastle, I cannot give an indication for the short term. That would mean diverting resources from more pressing road projects elsewhere in Scotland. We expect to proceed with positive action on accident remedial schemes and with five schemes for overtaking opportunities on the road between Dunbar and 274 Newcastle. In addition, we are spending about £50 million on a dual carriageway to Haddington and eventually to Dunbar.
§ Sir Hector MonroGiven the interest shown in my hon. Friend's document, "Roads South of Edinburgh", will he bear in mind the priorities mentioned by many people regarding the A7 between Hawick and Carlisle? What improvements may take place on that road in the near future?
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI have had the experience of being driven by my hon. Friend at considerable speed on that road and I saw for myself its problems and the necessity for overtaking opportunities. We shall produce a publicity document stating exactly what improvements will be in the programme in the near future. We see that as an important project for roads south of Hawick and down to the borders.
§ Mr. Home RobertsonDoes the Minister accept that having only one cross-border carriageway at Gretna is insufficient to carry the growing road traffic between Scotland and England? The Secretary of State for Transport has accepted the logic of a dual carriageway link with the AI route. Will the Minister announce a date for the dualling of the dangerously congested stretch between Musselburgh and Dunbar?
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWork is being carried out urgently on the statutory procedures for the dual carriageway to Haddington. About five times as much traffic uses the A74 as the Al. As Edinburgh is west of Carlisle, we must be realistic about present traffic flows and apply our resources accordingly.