§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the cause of the delays in completing the water supply scheme in the Newton area of North Uist; when it is intended that the work be completed; and to what extent the final cost is likely to exceed the originally estimated cost.
§ Mr. RossCompletion of this scheme has been delayed because more rock was encountered than expected in the initial stages and, more recently, the track digger had to be withdrawn for a major overhaul; the work, however, should be completed by June. The final cost is not expected to exceed the original estimate.