HC Deb 13 November 1985 vol 86 cc188-9W
31. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the progress of the plans to bridge the Dornoch firth.

Mr. Ancram

My Department is in close touch with British Rail about the possibility of a joint road-rail crossing of the Dornoch firth and I am awaiting its decision on whether to make a firm commitment. Whether or not the rail element is included, progress on the scheme will depend on the satisfactory completion of statutory procedures and the availability of finance. The projected start date is therefore still very tentative, but I envisage the earliest date for the first phase, the approach roads, being spring 1987.