§ 22. Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the most recent survey of the Glen Feschie road project, to connect upper Speyside with upper Deeside; and what recent estimate of the costs of carrying out such a project has been made.
§ Mr. J. StuartI understand that a detailed survey has not been carried out by the local highway authorities concerned and a close estimate of costs is not, therefore, possible. It would be unlikely, however, to be less than £750,000.
§ Mr. SpenceMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether a survey could be made, taking into account the performance of the modern touring car which can go over gradients not hitherto used, and whether reduced costs could be investigated for a road' scheme of this kind, which would do so much good?
§ Mr. StuartI am afraid that it would be very largely for the benefit of tourism. I am not against tourism, but in winter, as the hon. Member knows, this road would be liable to closure at frequent intervals. The matter has been considered by the county councils of Inverness and Aberdeen, but they are not proposing to take action in present circumstances.