TNAG-1243-FCO40-1557-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 172

CATEGORY OF BILL: PROGRAMME

CONFIDENTIAL

PROPOSED GOVERNMENT BILLS 1984/85

NUMBER AND TITLE; PURPOSE

DEPT

POLITICAL ASPECTS

LENGTH; TIMING: PARL. PROCEUDRE

ANNEX G

FINANCIAL; MANPOWER;

EC IMPLICATIONS

STATE OF READINESS

3.

ROADS (SCOTLAND)

To bring existing roads legislation up-to-date by (i) re-enacting in modern form provisions of Burgh Police (Scotland) Acts 1892 and 1903 and local legislation especially on construction, use, maintenance and expend- iture; (ii) implementing

certain roads recommend- ations of Stodart

Committee; (iii) replic- ating some England and Wales provisions in Highways Act 1980. Also to pave way for consolid-

ation of Scottish

legislation.

SO

E X A

Promised for some years; 1982 commitment in House to 'forthcoming Roads Bill Opposition unlikely to resist; other members probably neutral except on snow clearing. Local authorities have urged legislation. [Delay to a later session would require renewal of an order and attract

criticism.]

M P L E

Long: up to 100 cl., but schedules may replace

some.

Timing of Royal Assent no special considerations.

Parl. Procedure

suitable for Lords intro- duction and Scottish Grand Committee.

Financial

Policy Approved 29.4.82 by

H corres-

Instructions

Requirement for private developers to install lighting will save local authorities pondence. £1.5 to £2m per annum; possible duty to clear snow could cost £1m initially and £2.5m per annum. Net increase to be met from within Scottish roads and transport PES.

Manpower no net change.

EC no implications

probably mid-April

Introduction late Oct/

early Nov.