Funding for a flood prevention scheme at Birnam can only be considered once such a scheme has been confirmed by Ministers under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961. At present, no such scheme has been submitted to the Scottish Executive by Perth and Kinross Council for confirmation.

There have been several recent meetings between the Deputy Prime Minister and the rail industry regarding the safety of the GB rail network. I have received regular updates on the outcome of these meetings from UK Government Ministers, most recently on 28 November. I have also myself met the industry to discuss the situation in Scotland, most recently on 23 November.

None.

No.

The sale of land by Railtrack is currently a commercial matter for the company. I understand that the Rail Regulator has suggested a new licence condition which would require Railtrack to develop and maintain a register of key assets. If implemented, Railtrack's disposal of land would then be subject to agreement by the Rail Regulator. The Scottish Executive has no statutory authority to issue directions or advice to the Office of the Rail Regulator, which is a Non-Ministerial Government Department reporting directly to the Secretary of State.

In November 1999, following the Strategic Roads Review, I announced in the document Scheme Decisions that the improvement of the M77 between Fenwick and Malletsheugh would proceed to construction.

The briefings referred to were given in the form of oral presentations during the course of several informal meetings held in November 1999.

The Scottish Executive has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a wide range of issues, including the offshore oil and gas industry.

Details of safety improvement schemes programmed for the current financial year on the A84 Stirling to Lochearnhead and A85 Perth to Oban trunk roads are as follows:

A84 Callander - new 30mph speed limit, Village Gateway signing, "Toucan" crossing, new road markings and traffic signals at the A84/A81 junction;

A84 Kilmahog - new 40mph speed limit;

A84 Strathyre - upgrading of traffic calming measures;

A85 - Route Accident Reduction Plan works on the Perth to Lochearnhead section of the route which includes signing, lining, installation of junction bollards and verge marker posts and the provision of anti-skid surfacing;

A85 - renewing road markings on the Tyndrum to Oban section of the route to bring them up to current standards;

A85 - progressing the design work of a footway and street lighting scheme at Lochearnhead.

A84/A85 Lochearnhead junction - progressing the design of minor junction improvement;

A84 and A85 Verge Safety Fencing - Preparing a safety fence installation programme.

In addition, speed limits for West Huntingtower and Lochty (40mph) and St Fillans (30mph) are planned for the future on the A85 Perth to Oban Trunk Road.

The Scottish Executive has made arrangements for its Management Agent to attend the November meeting of the Stirling Council Highland Forum where representatives from the local community can voice their road safety concerns regarding the A84/A85 trunk road.

Construction of the M77 between Fenwick and Malletsheugh could commence in 2002 on the basis of current programme considerations. This is the same programme that I announced following the Strategic Roads Review. It is too soon to provide a more definite estimate of the starting date.