§ 8. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the hardships in winter time suffered by the people of Orinsay through having to carry all provisions long distances for lack of a proper road 8 and by children on their way to school; and whether he will take action along with the Ross County Council for the reconstruction of the existing pathway to bring it up to modern standards?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe condition of the road referred to has been brought to my notice and, I understand, to the notice of the local authority. If the county council should decide to contribute to the cost of the works and to undertake responsibility for their construction and maintenance, I am willing to consider sympathetically an application for assistance.
§ Mr. MacMillanIn view of the right hon. Gentleman's willingness to consider this matter sympathetically, and in view of the fact that the county council has repeatedly repudiated responsibility, as well as the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Transport, will he give some indication that he will take direct action?
§ Mr. ColvilleAs the hon. Member knows, the position is that in the first place an application should come from the local authority, but I have given an indication of what my attitude will be in certain events.