§ 5. Mr. MacLeodasked the Minister of Transport whether, in the national interest, he will make a complete survey of the road system in the seven Highland counties, with the object of opening up isolated districts on the west coast and providing adequate roads suitable for modern transport.
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir. About half of the total of some 1,200 miles of road comprised in the crofter counties scheme remain to be dealt with, and the work will be carried out at the cost of the Road Fund as economic conditions permit. No useful purpose would be secured by a further survey at the present time.
§ Mr. MacLeodDoes not the Minister agree that it is useless for the Secretary of State for Scotland to talk about developing the Highlands until adequate roads have been provided, and that such a survey is necessary for the long-term programme of road development in the Highlands which is so essential?
§ Mr. BarnesThat survey was in fact undertaken, and it was upon it that the 3 Government agreed to carry through this 1,200 miles of road improvements. As I have indicated, approximately half of the work has been carried through and another section is proceeding; the others will follow in due course. Therefore, I see no reason to incur the expense and to waste the time of technicians until this section at least has been completed.