§ 18. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the extent of the variation in width of the only trunk road in Caithness and Sutherland, A9; the widths at the narrowest portions such as Portgower and on the very steep hills north and south of Berrie-dale; and the number of hairpin bends between Bonar Bridge and Dunbeath.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe width of the carriageway of the trunk road A.9 in Caithness and Sutherland varies from 14 ft. to 20 ft.; the width at Portgower is 16 ft. and on the steep hills north and south of Berriedale 15 ft. to 16 ft. There are 11 hairpin bends between Bonar Bridge and Dunbeath.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs it not obvious that these serious variations in the width of the road, which at its widest part is still far narrower than the average trunk road, together with the hairpin bends, indicate that this is a most dangerous road? Is it the intention of my right hon. Friend's Department to have the plans which were agreed to 20 years ago carried out for the reconstruction of this road?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI would not necessarily agree with my hon. Friend's description of the road, but I agree with him that it could be improved.