HC Deb 24 November 1986 vol 106 cc86-7W
Mr. Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the general condition of the A7 road in Scotland.

Mr. Rifkind

I am satisfied that the general condition of the A7 in Scotland is adequate for the volume of traffic using it. However, improvements are planned to rectify certain substandard features. With the completion of the Edinburgh city bypass due about the end of the decade, the Scottish Development Department is putting in hand a study of the various trunk routes south of Edinburgh, including an assessment of the need for any further improvements to these roads.

Mr. Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on plans for realignment of the A7 at Dryden-Headshaw.

Mr. Rifkind

A draft trunk road order to establish the new line of the A7 at Dryden-Headshaw was published in September 1986. Timing of a construction start will depend on the satisfactory completion of statutory procedures and on the availability of funds.