§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking on proposals for the improvement of the junction between the A68 and the A697.
§ Mr. RifkindBorders regional council, as agent authority, has put forward two sets of proposals for improving the safety of the A68-A697 junction. The first, which involves changes to the side road traffic island and the laying of anti-skid surfacing material has been approved for implementation in this financial year. The second proposal, which was recently submitted, is to substantially alter the geometrical layout of the junction. This is a longer-term solution and will be the subject of further discussions between my Department and Borders regional council.