§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when he intends to announce his decision to site the new service station to replace the existing station at Nether Abington; and if the proposed fast-link road from the M8 to the M74 will influence the decision;
(2) if he will make a statement on the provision of a service station on the M74 when upgraded to replace the existing station at Nether Abington;
(3) if he will list the representations he has received on the siting of a new service station to replace the existing station at Nether Abington.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 12 July 1990]: The Government's policy for the provision of motorway service areas in Scotland was given in my reply on 4 April to my hon. Friend the Member for Tayside, North (Mr. Walker) at columns 661–62.
In accordance with this policy, consultants will be advising on the location of a new motorway service area in the general vicinity of Millbank and Nether Abington. Their recommendations are awaited. Consideration of the 524W best location for a new facility will require to take account of all proposed developments, including the M74/M8 fast link, should this proceed. In any event, no decision can be made until road orders for the section of new M74 between Nether Abington and Elvanfoot are confirmed.
Written representations on the siting of the new motorway service station have to date been received from Clydesdale district council and the Scottish tourist board.