§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many requests he has received from Fife regional council over the past five years for changing an existing speed limit; how many such requests have been granted; and how many have been refused.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe criteria for determining appropriate speed limits apply throughout Great Britain. They are set out in Scottish Development Department circular No. 18/80 and were issued after full consultation with various representative bodies, including the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland).
Four requests have been received from Fife regional council in the last five years. Two requests have been approved and two have been turned down. My right hon. and learned Friend has to be satisfied that the relevant criteria are fully met before he can grant approval for a change in speed limits.