asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now announce plans for the short-, medium- and long-term improvements to the A74; and if he will make a statement on the sharp rise in fatalities on this road in 1975.

In the short- and medium-term I propose to continue the programme for the provision of hard strips on both sides of each carriageway and to carry out minor works, such as the closure and improvement of accesses, and normal maintenance which includes repairs to the surface, improving super-elevation, as necessary, and carriageway markings, et cetera. I have arranged to advance the provision of the central hard strips on the section from Blacklaw to Beattock so that a central fence can be installed; and work will start this week. In the longer term major improvements, such as the Lesmahagow bypass, will be prepared, but I cannot, in present circumstances, forecast when they might be carried out.I greatly regret the increase in the number of deaths on this road in 1975. There has been no significant change in the number of accidents involving fatalities; there were 16 last year and there have been 14 so far this year. But this year six accidents have involved more than one death and the total number of deaths has increased markedly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, erect 60 mph signs at either end of the A74 while the energy-saving speed restrictions are in force.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on 6th August.—[Vol. 897, c. 244, 255.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the cost of the erection of a central barrier throughout the length of the A74 in Scotland.

About £1½ million.