§ 15. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the state of unclassified roads in Caithness and Sutherland; and if he will authorise grants under the Congested Districts (Scotland)Act, 1897, to enable one-fifth of these roads to be properly repaired this year and similar grants for repairs in each of the next four years.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Lord John Hope)My right hon. Friend has invited Caithness County Council to submit priority schemes for consideration for grant-aid, but he cannot at this stage undertake to authorise grant for a complete programme of such works.
§ Sir D. RobertsonWhat confidence can the local authorities of Caithness and Sutherland have in putting forward any more priorities? They did this for two 199 years and every scheme they put forward has been turned down. Is it not the case that the roads in the Highlands are completely breaking down and disintegrating into the bog from which they were wrought and that something has to be done about it?
§ Lord John HopeMy hon. Friend is not quite correct in his denunciation, because Caithness County did press for a grant for one unclassified road after the imposition of capital restrictions in February, 1956, and that was approved in June last.