I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26010 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Habitats Directive was implemented in the UK by the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 as amended. Regulation 48(1) and (2) make it clear that the point at which the competent authority requires to make an appropriate assessment, if necessary, is before deciding to undertake or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for a project. It is clear from Regulation 48(2) that it is as part of the statutory consent process that this procedure must be followed through.

In terms of Article (6)(3) of the Habitats Directive, the principal issue to be considered in the appropriate assessment is whether or not the project in question will adversely affect the integrity of the site. Only if a negative conclusion is reached in relation to that test, or there is uncertainty as to whether or not there would be an adverse effect on the integrity of the site, is it necessary to proceed to the considerations in Article 6(4). It is in that context that guidance from the European Commission suggests that it is necessary to consider whether the option put forward for approval is the least damaging for habitats, species and the integrity of the site and that no other feasible alternative exists that would not affect the integrity of the site.

Transport Scotland''s consultants have prepared a report to inform an appropriate assessment (RIAA) of the impacts of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on the River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The approach taken to completion of the RIAA was set out in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage. A copy of the RIAA is available from the inquiry website at:

http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Documents%5CTransport+Scotland+Documents%5C&file=TS081.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S3W-26010 on 13 June 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S3W-13576 on 9 June 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-24477 on 10 June 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Scottish ministers accepted the need in principle for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route based on the findings of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) study of alternative transport strategies, carried out by NESTRANS in 2002. The various reports of this study were previously available on Aberdeenshire Council''s website, and the outcomes of this study were documented in the report Delivering a Modern Transport System for North East Scotland, which can be found at http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Core%20Documents/CD08.PDF.

Scottish ministers confirmed in their statement on transport to Parliament on 27 June 2007 that the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is vital to the north east and that they were committed to its delivery.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-25996 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The report of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was received by Scottish ministers on 30 June 2009.

The matter is currently under active consideration and a decision will be announced as soon as possible. It would not be appropriate at this stage to make any further comment which could be prejudicial to the eventual outcome.

The cost was established. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report contained a cost estimate of £347 million at Quarter 4 2003 rates. This was the cost estimate that was used to allow like for like comparison of alternatives at the public local inquiry. A copy of the Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report is available from the inquiry website at:

http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS064.PDF.

All work has been authorised by the Scottish Government and its partners Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council.