MR. J. MCLEOD (Sutherland)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether the Secretary for Scotland has received any recent Report from the Government Engineer as to the progress of the works in connection with the harbours presently being constructed partly under Government subsidy on the north coast of Sutherland; whether there has been very little progress with the harbour works at Talmine, in the Kyle of Tongue; whether he could state the cause of the delay; and whether the Scottish Office are taking steps to have the work expedited?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATESeveral Reports have been received lately by the Scottish Office from the Government Engineer on this subject. Very little progress has been made lately on Talmin Harbour. This is almost entirely due to delay on the part of the contractor. The attention of the Harbour Trustees has been several times called to this, as they alone, by the terms of the contract, can take effective steps to hasten the work.
§ MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he will state how much of the grant for the current financial year for Highlands and Islands of Scotland (Public Works, &c.) has been expended up to the present time on piers, harbours, and minor works, and what further expenditure will be incurred up to the end of March; the district in which the respective works are situate, and the character of each such work; the total amount already expended on each work out of the Government subsidy; how much each such work has yet to receive from the said subsidy; and how much from the local authority, or other source to render each such work complete?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATEIt is impossible to reply to this question within the ordinary limits of an answer. If the 1464 hon. Member will send to the Secretary for Scotland a form of the return which he desires, he will be informed how far it will be granted.