asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects work to commence on the completion of the Ayr bypass.

I have not yet been able to assign a date for this scheme.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that traffic is at present being diverted from the present end of the bypass through residential areas, the streets of which cannot take this volume of traffic? Will he agree that this is now more a matter of safety than of convenience, and would he be prepared to receive a deputation to discuss the safety aspect?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that, as I am one of the residents in the area concerned, and a victim of this traffic diversion, I entirely agree. It was a pity that the late Government did not listen to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross) on this very subject, but it may be that, the opportunity having been missed, other things have come along with greater priority.

Will the Secretary of State answer my request to receive a deputation to discuss this matter from the safety point of view?

I shall be very happy to consider that request.