§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Transport whether he is now prepared to make any statement on the construction of roads in Scotland; whether his recent visit to the Western Highlands has convinced him of the importance and necessity of a new road to Inverness from Glasgow via Fort William; and the reason for the reduction of the amount of money allocated to the local authorities in Scotland?
§ Mr. GOSLINGMy recent visit to the Western Highlands has certainly convinced me of the importance and the necessity for considerable road improvement works, involving, in many cases, the construction of entirely new sections, the realignment of many and the reconstruction of bridges. Such improvements are eminently desirable through portions of the Counties of Perth, Argyll, Inverness, Ross and Sutherlandshire, and my Department is now engaged upon the preparation of a scheme which, I hope, will be presented to me before the House again meets. I am not aware that there has been any reduction of the amount of money allocated to local authorities in Scotland, and I can only assume that my hon. Friend has been misinformed. The facts are that a much larger sum than heretofore has now been made available for Scotland, and is in course of being expended.