§ 21. Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now institute a survey with a view to the construction of a bridge from the mainland to the Island of Skye.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. JohnstonIs the Minister of State aware that the Scottish Council has agreed to undertake a private survey and is much to be congratulated on taking an initiative about something which is basically a Government responsibility? Can he assure us that he will give it every assistance and consider, for example, the possibility of a special grant to enable it to finish the survey quickly?
§ Dr. MabonThe hon. Gentleman asked me a similar question about the Ballachulish bridge survey, and he knows the pleasant consequence of that, which is that the Government have agreed that we shall do that survey ourselves. The hon. Gentleman knows that we cannot do everything at once. The Highland Transport Board and the Highlands and Islands Development Board have formed the view, which they have passed on to the Secretary of State, that in the context of the transport needs of the Highlands as a whole, a bridge to Skye must be a long-term possibility. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will accept the priorities.
§ Sir F. MacleanWill not the Minister of State soon press on with the existing scheme for a bridge from the mainland to the Isle of Bute?
§ Dr. MabonThat eloquently testifies not only to the dilemma facing the Government, but also to the dilemma facing hon. Gentleman opposite who want to cut Government expenditure.