§ Mr. StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning proposals for a Glasgow southern orbital road; and if he will make a statement. [4264]
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIn addition to the representations made by the hon. Member for Eastwood, 37 letters have been received, mainly from residents of Eaglesham, about the need to bypass the village and construct a Glasgow southern orbital route. East Renfrewshire council submitted an outline bid to the 1998–99 transport challenge fund for the Glasgow southern orbital route M77—Newton Mearns—to East Kilbride which would effectively bypass Eaglesham. The application has been placed on the shortlist for consideration in the second stage of the competition and the council has been asked to send a full appraisal and any other information in support of the application to the scottish office by 27 January 1997. Departmental and council officials recently met to discuss the project.