§ Major Neven-Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there are 75 communities in Shetland, comprising 533 households, that have no access to the road system of the county; that 60 miles of new roads, costing approximately £53,000, are needed; that it is impossible for either the district councils or the county council to meet the cost of construction; that many of these roads have been on the list for over 40 years; and whether he will arrange for a 100 per cent. grant for their construction on the understanding that the county council would thereafter be responsible for their upkeep?
§ Mr. ColvilleI understand that the County Council of Shetland submitted to the Highlands and Islands Committee a list of such cases, corresponding approximately in number and estimated cost to what is stated in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. The Department of Agriculture for Scotland has made grants towards the cost of constructing roads of this type and, while I cannot give an undertaking that the who e cost of such work will be met from Exchequer Funds, further assistance will be offered as funds are available.