§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many miles of the A74–M74 upgrading being financed by his Department is in England; what is the estimated cost of the work involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNone of the A74 upgrading being financed by the Scottish Office is in England.
661WThe Kirkpatrick Fleming to Gretna contract, administered by my Department and opened in December 1992, incorporated a 1 km length of motorway in England, including an interchange at Guardsmill. This short section was necessary to enable the new road to be opened as a motorway and was financed by the Department of Transport.
The Scottish Office and the Department of Transport are exploring the possibility of completing the remaining sections of route using a design, build, finance and operate solution. Should this proceed as a single joint contract, the costs would again be apportioned to each Department.