asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the cost of the proposed Stonehaven bypass on the basis of his current plans; and what would be the additional cost of constructing a dual carriageway for the whole length of the bypass.

The estimated cost at November 1977 prices of the Stonehaven Bypass as currently designed is £7·9 million.The extra cost of constructing the whole bypass as a dual carriageway is estimated at £0·8 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many letters and other representations he has received objecting to the details of his proposals for the Stonehaven bypass; and if he will now review his proposals to take account of these representations.

My right hon. Friend has received 27 objections to the draft proposals, and 41 other written representations after the formal objection period had closed. All these views are being considered. A public local inquiry is likely.