§ 27. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when it is intended to commence work on the Loch Ainort-Seonsor diversion road; and when it is expected that this will be completed.
§ Mr. MolsonAs I have already informed my hon. Friend, it will not be possible to include this scheme in the £1 million Highland programme which is to be carried out during the next three 331 years. It will, however, be reconsidered in the light of whatever funds may be available for Highland roads after the expiration of the present programme.
§ Lord Malcolm Douglas-HamiltonDo I understand that answer to mean that it will not be started for another three years? May I ask my hon. Friend to bear in mind the Kyleakin-Portree road, by which most people come on to and leave Skye? This road is not only very important to the tourist industry—and most of the services are at present in a shocking state—but in its present state it is a considerable incubus to the present population of Skye.
§ Mr. MolsonWe are aware of the importance of this road. I did not mean to convey that in no circumstances will work upon it begin during the next three years. I meant to say that it is not one of the works which can be undertaken out of the present £1 million grant. When the Estimates are presented that will be considered with other Scottish projects which are also of considerable importance.