HC Deb 05 February 1952 vol 495 cc784-5
22. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can now say when the survey by the Royal Engineers of the North Ford Causeway in the Western Isles is to be undertaken; and what part of the cost will be paid from his Department's funds.

Mr. Snadden

I regret that I am not in a position to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member on 4th December, 1951.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a firm undertaking was given by the late Government that the survey would be undertaken last year before the end of the year, and that they hoped the work would begin on the bridge this year? Is it any use asking the hon. Gentleman for a promise that the Government will not start to break the promises of other Governments as well as their own?

Mr. Snadden

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend is very sympathetic towards this project, but the troops which would otherwise have been available for this project have had to be sent to other parts of the world. We are, however, in touch with the Secretary of State for War about it.

Mr. MacMillan

In view of the fact that the survey has been done by the county council and the Ministry of Transport, and that this was only to be a technical survey in the Army sense, could not the Department proceed along orthodox lines, if they cannot get the Army, and build a bridge which has been promised for many years?