§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans there are for improved road connections between Edinburgh and the A74.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 22 December 1988]: None are presently planned, as the routes to the south of Edinburgh are being studied by consulting engineers commissioned by the Scottish Development Department to consider the effectiveness of the existing trunk road network in meeting current and future demands between Edinburgh and the south 550W including, in particular, the motorway and trunk road network in England. I expect to receive the technical report, which will recommend a future route strategy, in January and thereafter I intend to make a statement on its findings and the proposed way ahead. This is likely to be in the spring and there will be a period for comment before we reach final decisions.
§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether expenditure on upgrading the A74 will lead to any delays in other road projects in Scotland.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 22 December 1988]: Provision for the roads programme has been increased substantially in 1990–91 and later years when construction of the M74 will be under way. Road schemes generally are becoming more expensive as standards rise. Therefore, the benefits accruing from each potential scheme will have to be carefully assessed in the light of the resources available as decided in future reviews of expenditure plans.
§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the upgraded A74 will be a three-lane or two-lane road.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 22 December 1988]: Feasibility studies are under way to assess the best means of implementing the Government's decision to upgrade the A74 to motorway status. Only after these studies have been completed and all the options examined in depth will a decision be taken about whether the M74 will be a dual two-lane or three-lane motorway.
§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the upgraded A74 will be a motorway or a road built to motorway standards.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 22 December 1988]: The Government are committed to upgrading the A74 to motorway status.