§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will issue guidelines for the development of toll road proposals.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonPrivately financed toll roads can be provided only in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, or by individual legislation. Guidelines on the Act were contained in a circular that was issued to Scottish local authorities by the Scottish Office in March 1992. Evaluation of a prospective concessionaire's proposals is a matter for the roads authority, but a statement is published with a draft toll order, under the 1991 Act, setting out the key points of an assignation agreement.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to ensure adequate consultations on and evaluation of toll road proposals at all key stages.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonUnder the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 the procedures for authorisation of a toll road are similar to those of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 that apply to publicly financed roads; there is therefore a similar approach to public consultation and public inquiry. Any scheme which is taken forward by means of individual legislation is subject to detailed scrutiny by Parliament.