§ Mr. Allan StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the timetable for completion of the Ayr road route; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindAll of the statutory orders have now been published for this scheme. The number and nature of the objections received, both to the trunk road section and to Strathclyde regional council's proposals, mean that a joint public local inquiry will be required. A provisional starting 285W date for an inquiry of 23 March is being investigated and a press announcement confirming details will be made in due course. I hope my hon. Friend will appreciate that I cannot give an indication of when construction of the Ayr road route might start since whether it goes ahead or not will depend on the recommendation of the inquiry reporter and my final decision.