§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the anticipated start date for construction of the road crossing of the Dornoch Firth; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonOwing to unforeseen difficulties with soil condition, work is not now expected to start on the actual bridge construction until mid-summer, although preparatory works are continuing.
§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the nature of the technical difficulties delaying determination of the final design of the foundations of the road bridge over the Dornoch Firth.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonSoil investigation by the contractor indicated that further verification of the load carrying capacity of soils is required. This may result in some refinement and development of the foundation design.