§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when the road diversion past Birkwood Bridge on the A.74 highway will be completed;
(2) when construction of the Blackwood bypass road, Lanarkshire, is to begin; and when it will be finished.
§ Mr. MaclayConsulting engineers are preparing a scheme for the reconstruction of trunk road A.74 between Lemahagow and Canderdyke, including the diversions at Birkwood Bridge and Blackwood.
Because of the condition of the existing bridge the diversion at Birkwood Bridge 92W has been brought forward and I hope shortly to accept a tender for the work The contract period will be four months.
I am awaiting the recommendation of the consultants about a change in the line of the Blackwood diversion. This will require an amending trunk road Order and until it has been made I cannot forecast when the remainder of the scheme will be carried out.