§ 44. Mr. John MacLeodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department will give a grant on agricultural grounds towards the construction of part of the north coast of Apple-cross Road since the major scheme is not to be proceeded with.
§ Mr. SnaddenMy right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable at present to offer an assurance that any part of the limited funds at his disposal for road works in the Highlands can be made available for the construction of a road on the north coast of Applecross. He is at present considering a proposal by the county council that a new jetty should be built which would be of benefit to the inhabitants in this area.
§ Mr. MacLeodIs my hon. Friend aware that a jetty will not replace the need for a road in this area, and that 55 years ago this was considered necessary, and that full advantage is not able to be taken by these people of agricultural grants because there is no road—the first essential of any community in any part of the world?
§ Mr. SnaddenWe have to take into account the resources that are available to us, and roads are extremely costly indeed. It has been submitted that a solution may be found by improving facilities for passage by sea, and this point is being examined at the present time.
§ Mrs. MannIn view of the fact that there have been 44 Scottish Questions, and that we have not seen the Secretary of State, could the hon. Gentleman tell us who is his right hon. Friend, and where he is?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. James Stuart)I have been here throughout Questions.