HC Deb 07 February 1962 vol 653 cc421-2
33. Mr. John MacLeod

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he received a memorandum stressing the need to accelerate the rate of progress of the improvement of the county road system and other relative matters; and what reply he is making.

Mr. Maclay

I understand that the County Council of Ross and Cromarty is considering sending me such a memorandum. If and when it does so I shall study it carefully.

Mr. MacLeod

Does my right hon. Friend realise that at the present rate it will take forty-three years and thirty four years respectively to bring trunk and Class 1 roads even up to the required standard and that the rate of progress is not keeping pace with the increased traffic? Is it not time that we had a comprehensive road programme which should be carried out with a sense of urgency?

Mr. Maclay

My hon. Friend will be aware that there has been a very substantial increase in expenditure on road building in recent years.