To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional funding to local authorities in North East Scotland to enable them to upgrade the Inverurie to Keith section of the A96.

The A96 is a trunk road and responsibility for upgrading and funding the route lies with the Scottish Executive.

In March I announced the provision of climbing lanes at Coachford and Newtongarry on the A96 Inverurie to Keith section. The schemes have a combined estimated cost of £4.5 million and, subject to satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures, are due for completion in 2003.