§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what provision he has made for public expenditure in each of the years 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98 in connection with the planning for and construction of all approach roads and other building operations in connection with the proposed second Forth road bridge; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what financial provision he has made for all expenditure in connection with the proposed second Forth road bridge in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 12 December 1994]: My right hon. Friend's spending plans include provision for further expenditure on the proposals under examination in the "Setting Forth" studies amounting to £4 million, £2 million and £2 million in the years 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1996–97 respectively. The deployment of these provisions will be dependent on decisions yet to be taken in relation to these proposals and it may be necessary to make additional provision in respect of land claims which may occur in the years in question. My right hon. Friend is currently considering detailed feasibility studies into all aspects of the proposals and the comments received on these studies.