§ Sir S. Reedasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the necessity of arranging a programme of useful public works as a safeguard against a decline in industrial activity and the long period which must elapse between the inception of a major scheme and the commencement of work, he will consult with the county councils concerned for the purpose of preparing a plan for the construction of a road bridge between Lochalsh and Kyleakin in the Island of Skye?
§ Captain WallaceMy officers are in regular consultation with county councils on questions relating to proposed road and bridge works, and to the priorities to be attached to schemes, with due regard to traffic, financial and economic considerations.
As I informed my hon. Friend on the 14th June last, the county councils, who are the responsible highway authorities, have not put forward any proposal for a road bridge between Lochalsh and Kyleakin.
While I am ready to consider any proposal the councils may see fit to submit, it does not seem likely that I could accord to the scheme any high degree of priority, as this has to be decided by reference to national as well as local needs.