Written question asked by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 November 1996. It was answered by Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 November 1996 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: If he will comment on his current policy on the proposed upgrading of the A1 to dual carriageway standard between Edinburgh and the Scottish Border; when he estimates the work will be completed; and what other improvement schemes are currently under consideration in respect of the A1 between Edinburgh and the Scottish Border. - (Holding answer 27 November 1996).

Answer: Mr. Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his current policy on the proposed upgrading of the A1 to dual carriageway standard between Edinburgh and the Scottish border; when he estimates the work will be completed; and what other improvement schemes are currently under consideration in respect of the A1 between Edinburgh and the Scottish border. [5540] Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: [holding answer 27 November 1996]: The A1 is Scotland's second most important cross-border route. I attach a high priority to upgrading the road and announced in 1992 the desirability to plan in the longer term for dualling. It is not possible to say when this work will be completed. Approximately 15.5 km of new dualling has been completed since 1992 and a further 25 km of dualling is being planned, but progress will depend upon the success of statutory procedures and/or the availability of finance. Scottish borders council has been invited to undertake further analysis of the road to identify the sequencing of design work on further schemes at this time.

Secondary information