§ 13. Mr. Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will pay an official visit to Ross and Cromarty.
§ Mr. William RossI have at present no plans to do so.
§ Mr. GrayIs the Secretary of State aware that if he decides to visit Ross and Cromarty it will be made abundantly 391 clear to him that the answer given by his noble Friend the Minister of State, Scottish Office, in another place recently on the building of the Kessock Bridge has caused anger throughout the Highlands, since this bridge is vital to the future prosperity of Easter Ross? Will he investigate the methods used in the roads department of the SDD and the arrangements in respect of this contract? Will he make a statement to the House following what was said by the Minister of State in another place?
§ Mr. RossIf the hon. Gentleman thinks this question so important, it surprises me that he did not place it on the Order Paper, in which case he would have been able to get a direct and detailed reply.
§ Mr. RossAs the hon. Gentleman knows, this is a complex issue of the type of bridge and involves questions of cost and tendering arrangements. Those matters are now under active consideration. I assure him, on the basis of information we already have, that the answer given by my noble Friend the Minister of State in another place was correct.