§ 24. Sir D. McCallumasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the unfinished state of the North Connel-Ballachulish road, A.828, is a great handicap to the development of the tourist industry in the North Lorn area, which industry is vital to the Highlands; and when it is proposed to resume and complete the work of reconstruction which was scheduled as part of the prewar crafting counties road scheme, on which work was begun before the 1939–45 war, and which had to be suspended because of the war.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend cannot yet forecast when it will be possible to complete the reconstruction of the North Connel-Ballachulish road but he hopes this year to authorise a scheme to improve the section between Kentallen and Lurignish.
§ Sir D. McCallumMay I ask my hon. Friend if he realises that this is the trunk road between Oban and Inverness, that there are four or five sections which are extremely dangerous, and that it is now eighteen years since this trunk road has had any attention?
§ Mr. MacphersonAs soon as the contract documents can be prepared, we propose to authorise this year a scheme between Kentallen and Lurignish, costing about £65,000. I think that my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that this, at any rate, is quite a good restart.