HC Deb 05 April 1995 vol 257 cc1273-5W
Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what objections have been made to the proposed design of the Logie Easter-Garrick bridge stretch of the A9; and what response has he given. [18563]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Draft statutory orders were published in October 1993 and five objections were received, one of which has been resolved. The remaining four objections relate to the provision of facilities for cyclists. The Scottish Office continues to seek resolution of these objections.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current estimated completion date for the Logie Easter-Garrick bridge stretch of the A9. [18564]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

In his statement on 24 May 1994, my right hon. Friend announced that he expected that work would start on the improvement of the A9 between Logie Easter and Garrick bridge before March 1997 subject, among other things, to completion of the statutory procedures. Because of outstanding objections, these procedures remain incomplete and a programme for construction has not been determined.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he first proposed a route action plan for the A9 north of Dornoch bridge. [18565]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

A route action plan approach to the A9 north of Dornoch was initially raised at a meeting with a delegation from Highland regional council in January 1991.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Highland regional council following the proposal for a route action plan for the A9 north of the Dornoch bridge; and what reply he gave. [18566]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The Scottish Office has received no representations from Highland regional council. However, since the question of a route action plan was first raised, my officials have been in regular contact with officials from the regional council.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he issued the terms of reference for the route action plan north of the Dornoch bridge. [18567]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Following the submission of draft proposals for the action plan in January 1992 and after a series of discussions with Highland regional council, a brief for the route action plan was issued to the regional council in January 1994.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive proposals to implement a route action plan; and if he will make a statement. [18568]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Highland regional council is to submit an interim report on the route action plan by December 1995. This will describe the extent of congestion on the existing road, the nature of the existing constraints to free flow of traffic and the options which will be examined for testing. The interim report will be analysed to produce a programme of works to be included in the route action plan.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to obtain a European regional development fund grant under objective 1 funding for the improvement of the A9 between Helmsdale and the Ord of Caithness; and if he will make a statement. [18569]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

An application for ERDF objective 1 funding would be premature at this time. Consideration will be given to lodging an application in due course.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he is currently giving to the improvement of the A9 at Berriedale; and if he will make a statement. [18570]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The case for improvements at Berriedale Braes will be examined as part of the A9 route action plan.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Highland regional council about upgrading the A9 at Berriedale. [18571]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The Scottish Office has not received recently any representations from Highland regional council about the upgrading of the A9 at Berriedale. However, Berriedale lies within the scope of the A9 north of Dornoch route action plan study currently being carried out by Highland region and as such my officials have been in regular contact with officials from the regional council.