§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether the Scottish Development Department plans to carry out a review of cycling policy in Scotland;
(2) if the Scottish Development Department will commission a study of the scope for converting disused railway lines in Scotland into cycleways and footpaths;
(3) if the Scottish Development Department will publish technical advice to Scottish local authorities on ways of helping cyclists in built-up areas;
(4) if he will ensure that a Scottish town or city is considered for an experiment in the provision of demonstration large-scale continuous urban cycle routes or networks.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy Department is already engaged in a review of cycling policy for Scotland. This will consider, among other things, the need for general 419W technical advice to local authorities and the scope for dedicated cycle routes whether by experiment or by conversion of other facilities.
§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what powers his Department has to give special grants to local authorities to develop experimental cycle routes.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThere are no specific powers available to the Secretary of State for this purpose.
§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the functions of the Scottish Development Department's cycling officer; whether local authorities have been informed of his existence; and how much time he has given to cycling matters over the last six months.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe cycling officer's main functions are to ensure that the interests of cyclists are considered when trunk roads are designed or improved and to liaise with local highway authorities on cycling matters generally. His appointment, which is on a part-time basis, is known to highway authorities. The time spent on cycling duties varies with demand.