§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his policy for dualling the remaining single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road. [6999]
472W
§ Mr. WattsAs a result of the review just completed, the Willowburn-Denwick improvement remains in the programme, but the Morpeth to Lanehead improvement has been withdrawn.
We are aware of the concerns about the adequacy and safety record of this road. In addition to the major schemes, a comprehensive programme of low-cost safety schemes has been undertaken over the last few years. We continue to assess the needs of the route to identify sections where further minor improvements could be taken forward, including shorter section of dual carriageway to provide safer opportunities for overtaking.