§ 59. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he expects to complete his road programme this year; and whether he will announce any acceleration.
§ Mr. MaclayThe current programme provides for the authorisation in the four year period up to 31st March, 1962, of schemes involving Exchequer expenditure of £40 million. In 1958–59, in addition to the Forth Bridge, schemes involving Exchequer expenditure of about £5 million were authorised and it is proposed to authorise a further £7 million in the current year.
§ 61. Mr. John MacLeodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when, at the present rate of progress, he expects the Crofters County Road programme to be completed, with particular reference to the mainland of Ross and Cromarty.
§ Mr. MaclayThe reconstruction of 521 miles of road remains to be authorised under the Crofter Counties Programme. At the current rate of £750,000 per annum I estimate that it would take a little over 20 years to complete these roads. Relatively fewer miles remain to be done on the mainland of Ross and Cromarty and I should expect the period of completion to he somewhat shorter.