§ Mr. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is expected to begin construction work on the Ayr by-pass.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend has made two trunk road Orders defining the line of the northern and southern sections of the Ayr by-pass respectively. Ayr County Council is now preparing plans for the construction of the northern part which will by-pass Prestwick and my right hon. Friend will shortly publish an Order providing for consequential alterations to the side roads leading to it. The date of commencement of the work depends on how soon the plans can be completed and tenders taken, whether there are any objections to the side road94W Order and whether difficulties arise in the acquisition of the necessary land. Subject to the uncertainties involved in these procedures, my right hon. Friend hopes that work may begin in the early autumn.