Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route

Question Time — Scottish Executive — General Questions – in the Scottish Parliament at 11:41 am on 13 September 2007.

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Photo of Alex Johnstone Alex Johnstone Conservative 11:41, 13 September 2007

To ask the Scottish Executive when it now expects construction work on the Aberdeen western peripheral route to begin. (S3O-592)

Photo of Stewart Stevenson Stewart Stevenson Scottish National Party

We expect construction of the Aberdeen western peripheral route to begin in 2010.

Photo of Alex Johnstone Alex Johnstone Conservative

I thank the minister for that reassurance. One of the greatest causes of concern and potential delay is the mystery that surrounds the decision-making process that preceded the announcement of the final route some 18 months ago. Will the minister undertake to approach previous ministers to ensure that papers that informed the decision-making process are made available to the local inquiry?

Photo of Stewart Stevenson Stewart Stevenson Scottish National Party

The member will be aware that the consultation on the AWPR received some 8,215 responses, so it represents a substantial issue that requires to be dealt with. The Government will certainly ensure that any public local inquiry is informed to the maximum extent possible. If previous ministers have papers to which I do not have access that might help to inform that inquiry about the decision-making processes, I seriously encourage them to make them available to the inquiry.

Photo of Brian Adam Brian Adam Scottish National Party

In connection with the timing of the construction of the Aberdeen western peripheral route, will the minister consider starting on the northern leg first?

Photo of Stewart Stevenson Stewart Stevenson Scottish National Party

The member makes an excellent suggestion, which we are certainly considering. A number of practical problems are associated with it, however. To enable construction to take place, we have started the process of land acquisition, and we will continue to pursue that at best speed. We will continue to consider the proposal and I will try to promote it.