§ 1. Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the study which he has initiated of the A9 road north of Inverness.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Dr. J. Dickson Mabon)The studies of possible lines of the A9 north of Inverness are well advanced and I hope that the analysed results will be available next spring.
§ Mr. MaclennanI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he prepared to initiate straight away a survey in depth of the feasibility of a crossing of the Dornoch Firth in view of the growing industrial development of the Moray Firth area and the importance of shortening the route from Caithness to the South?
§ Dr. MabonMy hon. Friend, who, quite rightly, has been very persistent in this matter, will be glad to know that we have done a great deal of field work on the studies of the possible reconstruction of A9 between Inverness and Dingwall. Obviously we must consult the local authorities concerned and, just as important, the agricultural interests and others. The results will be available in the spring, and after that we will have some consultations.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellAs part of the studies, have the Government made a feasibility study of the crossing of the Kessock ferry by causeway or some other means?