§ The Earl of Lindsey and Abingdonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any plans on grounds of safety to extend the M.77 south of Glasgow to connect with the A.77 at the Kilmarnock bypass.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office (The Earl of Lindsay)Yes. Not only for safety reasons, but also to improve accessibility to Ayrshire. Draft orders have been published for the improvement of the A.77 road between Malletsheugh and Kilmarnock Bypass to motorway standard. Two separate schemes are involved: Malletsheugh to Floak and Floak to Fenwick. The latter section is planned to start within the next three years subject to the completion of statutory procedures and the availability of finance. The construction of the section of the M.77 between Dumbreck and Malletsheugh, known as the Ayr Road Route, is proceeding to schedule and is expected to be open for traffic in December 1996.