§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if specific funding has been allocated for the replacement of the Kincardine bridge, the building of a bypass and an improved West Fife road network; [6724]
(2) what is the timetable for (a) the replacement of the Kincardine bridge, (b) the construction of a bypass and (c) the improvement of the West Fife road network; [6834]
(3) what plans he has for public consultation on all the options outlined by consultants for routes for a replacement Kincardine bridge and bypass; [6835]
(4) what is his preferred option for the replacement of the Kincardine bridge and bypass;[6836]
(5) when construction will begin on (a) the replacement of the Kincardine bridge and (b) the bypass; [6837]
(6) if he will make a statement on the funding of the Kincardine bridge and bypass. [6931]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend will be holding public consultation early in the new year on the conclusions drawn from studies of the various options at Kincardine. These studies consider the requirements of the crossing and the bypassing of Kincardine village. This will include a public exhibition in Alloa and Kincardine. A number of routes will be exhibited and information will be displayed setting out their relative merits. This will enable the options to be fully examined by the public, and individuals and local interests will be invited to give their views. At this stage my right hon. Friend has not come to any decision on the option which best meets local and national needs and careful account will be taken of all the views expressed.
When the responses to the consultation have been considered, further detailed studies will be undertaken on the preferred option to allow the preparation and publication of draft statutory orders. Subject to those responses and the progress made on that work publication is unlikely to be before mid-1997. No date is fixed for construction, and the further progress of the scheme will be dependent on the reaction of the public to the published orders and on the availability of finance in the light of other competing priorities.
The viability of an improved road between Kincardine and the M90, the West Fife regional road, has been examined as part of the Kincardine studies. However the Government's present view is that such a road could be provided only in the longer term.