§ 22. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, as it has been the declared policy for many years that every major island in the Highlands should have a pier, he will give special priority to the nine islands which are still without them.
§ Mr. MaclayI have approved schemes for piers for two of these islands, and proposals for three more are under consideration. I will be glad to consider any 16 proposals which may be made for the remaining four islands, but it is for the county councils concerned to determine their priority in relations to the claims of other islands.
§ Mr. GrimondI appreciate that it is for the county councils to make the proposal in the first place, but would not the Secretary of State agree that these piers are of the utmost importance to the islands? Where they are sited is a technical matter, but the financing is largely a matter for the Government. May I urge the right hon. Gentleman to help the county councils to get the islands supplied with the piers which are absolutely vital to them?
§ Mr. MaclayI know the importance of this matter and we are getting on as fast as we can.