§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date he expects to make an announcement on the line of route and the starting date for work on the proposed A96 Kintore bypass. [27948]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe public local inquiry into the A96 Kintore bypass raised issues which required to be considered before a formal decision could be announced. The essential consultations have now been undertaken and thus the decision can be made soon. Programming will of course depend on that decision and, if favourable, on the satisfactory subsequent completion of statutory procedures and the availability of finance.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received from(a) organisations and (b) individuals on the proposed A96 Kintore bypass. [27949]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonForty nine formal objections were received to the draft orders and compulsory purchase order for the Kintore bypass, of which 28 were resolved by the adjustment and republication of the draft orders and by negotiations held thereafter. The remaining 21, which include one from a public body, were considered at a public local inquiry.