HC Deb 22 November 1995 vol 267 c655
12. Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the replacement of the Kincardine bridge and bypass. [783]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

We shall undertake public consultation in the early new year on the conclusions of the recently completed studies of the options at Kincardine. That will allow local interests to set out their views directly on the options and ensure that we can make the fastest possible progress on implementing necessary improvements.

Ms Squire

Is the Minister finally agreeing to listen to the people of Kincardine, whose health is being damaged by traffic, noise, congestion and pollution levels equivalent to those in Greater London? Does he agree that the Kincardine bridge must be replaced by the end of this decade and is the main alternative route across the Forth for east and central Scotland? Will he clarify the timetable for the bridge's replacement and the building of a bypass and confirm that Government money has been allocated for that work to begin in the near future?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I can reassure the hon. Lady that we shall progress as fast as possible towards construction. Subject to statutory procedures and the necessary competitive processes, we should be in a position to start before the end of the century. Exhibitions are to be held in Kincardine and Alloa early in the new year. A number of routes will be shown, information will be displayed setting out their merits and the public will be invited to comment on the solutions—there will be a consultation process. After that, orders will be published. Issues such as environmental considerations have to be considered, as do those that concern local residents. We want to see progress as soon as possible.

Mr. Connarty

It is clear from the Minister's reply that, by 2000, the bridge will be in the constituency of Falkirk, East, as the boundary commission has decided that the area on the other side of the river will be in my constituency. From working with my hon. Friends the Members for Dunfermline, West (Ms Squire) and for Clackmannan (Mr. O'Neill), I know that we are trying to obtain the best solution for people on both sides of the river. Much of the traffic that crosses the bridge is generated from Grangemouth and we want the Government to come forward with the money soon. It is not good enough to say that action will be taken in 2000. As my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline, West said, people in Kincardine have suffered for 20 years.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The Scottish Office will publish the statutory orders for its preferred scheme around the end of 1996. The precise date will depend on public responses to the exhibition, but we intend to make the fastest possible progress. The hon. Gentleman should not anticipate the results of future elections any more than the rest of us, but I note his interest in the matter.