§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if an environmental impact assessment which conforms to European Union standards was carried out64W before he authorised work to begin on constructing the M77 in Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe statutory procedures for the Ayr road route were initiated prior to the implementation date of European Community directive number 85/337. Consequently, there was no requirement to carry out an environmental assessment for this scheme. Notwithstanding this, an environmental impact assessment was undertaken for this scheme and details were presented at a pubic local inquiry prior to the Secretary of State approving the works. The Government believe that this assessment would have satisfied the directive.
§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the absence of security personnel and construction workers on 15 February.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI assume that the hon. Member is referring to work on the M77. The responsibility for organising the resources necessary to discharge the contract lies with the contractor.