67. Dr. MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that on going to work at the Garyvard-Balallan Road, in Lewis, on Monday last about 200 workers, including many ex-service men, were told that there was no further work for them, as the Board of Agriculture had decided not to proceed further with the construction of the road; whether he is aware that this sudden stoppage of work will cause a great deal of distress among the population on the south side of Loch Erisort; and whether he will reconsider this decision, so that the already difficult economic conditions in the Island of Lewis will not be made worse than they are?
§ Mr. MUNROI am informed that the work in question has been terminated with a week's notice to the men employed. I am calling for a further report from the Board of Agriculture on the subject. I may add, however, that the original estimate for the cost of the road, namely, £10,000, has proved inadequate. A further grant of £4,000, making £14,000 in all, has been sanctioned and expended, and this has only sufficed to complete a portion of the road. When I receive the report from the Board I shall decide whether I am justified under present conditions in proceeding further with the undertaking.