asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the starting date for works on the Bridgemill diversion as designated under the Gretna-Stranraer-Glasgow-Stirling Trunk Road (Side Roads) Order 1974; if he can indicate what effect this work will have on the property of Mr. J. Malcolm, Caledon, Bridgemill, Girvan; and when this work will affect this property.

The scheme designated by the draft Bridgemill Diversion (Side Roads) Order would, if approved, entail the acquisition and demolition of Mr. Malcolm's property. The making of this order, to which objections have been received, is not, however, complete, and a further draft order, still to be published, relating to the land needed for the scheme will also be open to objection. In these circumstances I cannot yet forecast when work on this scheme might start.