HC Deb 15 March 1978 vol 946 c437
16. Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will increase the amount of grant for township roads in the Western Isles.

Mr. McElhone

I regret that the resources for the township road programme as a whole do not permit any increase at present.

Mr. Stewart

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that answer will be received with regret in my constituency, especially in areas such as the Island of Harris, which has many communities still without roads and is an area that has had the least access to job opportunities and development? Will he give reconsideration to disbursing some of the funds for the congested districts, which I understand are still at the discretion of the Secretary of State?

Mr. McElhone

I am prepared to consider that point. I should tell the right hon. Gentleman that the grant allocation for 1978–79 is the biggest of all the five authorities concerned.