§ 89. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the special disadvantages under which the Highland area suffers in regard to transport, which discourages trade, industry and agriculture and prevents this large area from contributing its maximum potential to the economic benefit of the whole United Kingdom; and whether he will give instructions to reduce these difficulties.
§ 90. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the extent to which trade, agriculture and fisheries are being hampered, and the coming of new industry impeded, by transport conditions in the Highlands; and what action he proposes to take to improve transport in that area.
91. Mr. MacLeodasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what improvement in transport he proposes so 64W that life, trade, industry and agriculture in the North of Scotland do not continue to be impeded and full production from the North for the benefit of the United Kingdom will be facilitated.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Government are well aware of transport difficulties in the Highlands and are doing all they can to alleviate them. We have made special financial provision for the improvement of Highland roads and the Chairman of the British Transport Commission has given an assurance that Scottish interests will be fully consulted on the new railway Merchandise Charges Scheme and that the Commission will give the Highlands a fair deal. Expansion of air services in the Highlands depends on the development of a suitable and economic aircraft.