HC Deb 15 December 1976 vol 922 cc1509-10
10. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the need for major future developments in transport in the area, following the publication by the Highlands and Islands Development Board for the Moray Firth Access Transport Study.

Mr. McElhone

Major developments since the study was published early in 1974 include improvements on the Perth-Inverness railway, work on A9 from Perth to Invergordon and the strengthening of the runway at Inverness Airport.

Mr. Atkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Tayside Regional Council does not regard work on the A9 north of Perth as of first priority except for the Pitlochry Bypass? Could not the £675,000 that could be saved be used to improve the railway? It is wrong to build up a road and destroy a railway.

Mr. McElhone

I am not aware of the Tayside Region's attitude towards the A9. I thought that this road was very valuable for the oil industry. Last July work was started on restoring the double track from Blair Atholl to Dalwhinnie, a length of 23 miles, costing £3.7 million. There has been a commitment in this area by British Rail to cater for the needs of rail as well as road passengers.

Mr. Donald Stewart

Is the Minister aware, in the light of the Highlands and Islands Development Board's reports, that there is an urgent need for the Scottish Office to do something about the repair of the road to the Isles? If this is done, it will be the first time the Government have given a fair chance to the Islands off the Scottish coast. These areas need this link desperately, because commitments given at the time of the withdrawal of the cargo services have not been kept up.

Mr. McElhone

I am sure that the hon. Member is aware that my right hon. Friend has often dealt with that matter.