HC Deb 14 July 1965 vol 716 cc487-8
22. Mr. Alasdair Mackenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in view of the unsatisfactory delay in replying to representations made by Ross and Cromarty County Council regarding the Worboys Committee's Report on Traffic Signs, if he will ensure that the Scottish Development Department replies to the Council's letter of 24th March last without further delay.

Mr. Ross

I regret the delay which was explained in the reply sent to the county council on 2nd July, a copy of which was sent to the hon. Member, and which makes clear that since a major principle was involved more time was needed to assess its effects.

Mr. Mackenzie

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply and for sending me a copy of the reply sent to the county council, may I ask him to ensure that an early decision is taken? Will he also bear in mind how important it is that Dingwall, capital of the county, a busy market centre and the gateway to areas of rapidly expanding tourism, should be enabled to have these primary route signs?

Mr. Ross

I am seized of the importance of Dingwall as the capital of Ross and Cromarty. I assure the hon. Gentleman sincerely that I think my Department slipped up in this. It should have made an earlier reply to the county council. I apologise for the delay and I hope that we shall be able to come to a fairly early conclusion.