HC Deb 22 March 1939 vol 345 cc1278-9
40. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider undertaking, with 100 per cent. grant assistance, the construction of a main west-coast road along the Highland sea-route linking Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh, etc., as an encouragement to the tourist industry in the north?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend is quite unable to entertain the suggestion that he should make a 100 per cent. grant towards the cost of constructing a new road between Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh.

Mr. MacMillan

In view of the Minister's repeated professions of interest in the development of the tourist industry in Scotland, may I ask whether he thinks there is any better way of promoting it than by assistance from the Ministry of Transport for providing roads on the scale suggested?

Captain Hudson

I understand that the cost of such a road would be out of all proportion to its usefulness.

Mr. MacMillan

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman inform me then, whether the Minister would be prepared to consider undertaking a substantial percentage of the cost?

Captain Hudson

I think the hon. Member had better put that question down.