asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now reconsider his decision not to place the Ellon bypass in the Aberdeenshire, East constituency on the priority list for completion in view of the congestion caused to the town by the heavy gas and oil-related traffic travelling to Peterhead and St. Fergus.

A starting date for this scheme earlier than 1985 is unrealistic given the statutory procedures likely to be involved in this case and the availability of funds in relation to overall priorities.