HC Deb 19 February 1986 vol 92 cc189-90W
Sir Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why 1/2500 scale engineering drawings of road schemes in Scotland are not provided to objectors who request them.

Mr. Ancram

The Scottish Development Department displays engineering drawings at public exhibitions of road proposals and makes them available for discussion at consultations with objectors. However, they are not provided to objectors for retention because of the very considerable expenditure which this would involve, though a request to furnish them on payment would always be considered.

Sir Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why feasibility studies for roads are not provided on request to objectors to road proposals in Scotland.

Mr. Ancram

Feasibility studies form an early stage in the consideration of options leading to the publication by the Scottish Development Department relating to a preferred route. While my officials are always prepared to provide information from them, where possible, in reply to specific inquiries from objectors, it would both be costly and in our view unjustifiably widen local uncertainty to make such studies available in full.

Sir Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there are items of information which his Department does not provide on request to objectors to trunk road proposals in Scotland which are provided on request to objectors to trunk road schemes in England and Wales after publication of a line order.

Mr. Ancram

This will require consultation with the Department and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Sir Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the position in regard to provision of information to objectors to trunk road schemes in Scotland to bring it into line with practice in England and Wales.

Mr. Ancram

The Scottish Development Department takes account of the relevant procedures of other trunk road authorities in normal course, but if the hon. Member has any particular point in mind perhaps he would write to me about it.

Sir Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department uses the Department of Transport manual of environmental appraisal in road appraisal.

Mr. Ancram

Yes. The manual is used when it is considered appropriate.