To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average cost of building a mile of (a) dual carriageway and (b) motorway at current prices; and what moneys he has allocated to current (i) dual carriageway and (ii) motorway construction in Scotland.

[holding answer 7 February 1992]: The average total estimated cost per mile of schemes currently under construction or completed in the last six years at 1991–92 prices is detailed, by category, together with the relevant predicted expenditure in 1991–92. It should be noted that cost of building can vary widely depending on the nature of the terrain through which a road passes, bridgeworks and other structures required etc.