§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in the islands of South Uist and North Uist, respectively, under the five-year road plan of 100 per cent. grants; and whether he will make a financial statement on these works?
§ Mr. BurginI assume that the hon. Member refers to road reconstruction being carried out under the Crofter Counties Scheme. In the island of South Uist including Benbecula the county council have completed a survey of 22 miles of road but I am unable to say when works will be put in hand. In North Uist, resurfacing works are in hand on a length of 28 miles between Lochmaddy and Carnich, and on a length of 7½ miles between Lochmaddy and Clachan. This work is expected to take 30 months and to cost about £58,000.
§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received any representations from the Inverness-shire County Council regarding the need for a road for the districts of Lochportain-Hoebeg and Cheesebay in North Uist Island; and whether he will make a statement?
§ Mr. BurginThe county council have intimated that a road is needed to provide access to an estate laid out by the Department of Agriculture, and they have been informed that the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Transport are prepared to consider an application for a grant at the usual rates towards the cost of construction.