§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, what progress has been made with preparatory work on the bypasses for Auchinleck-Cumnock, New Cumnock and Maybole over the past six months; when he now expects design work to start; and when he expects to seek senders on each of them.
§ Mr. AncramDetailed design work on all three bypass schemes has begun and is proceeding satisfactorily. Progress to tender stage is dependent upon the public's reaction to the proposals when they are published, and on 197W the availability of finance within the trunk road programme. I cannot therefore, at this stage forecast precisely when tenders will be sought.