HC Deb 25 April 1963 vol 676 cc42-3W
Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made towards construction of the proposed circular road in Grimsay, Isle of North Uist.

Mr. Noble

The Grimsay road heads Inverness County Council's list of township road schemes. The council's detailed proposals for the scheme have not yet been submitted to me, but I understand that it is likely to cost over £200,000. In view of the demands this would make on the council's annual allocation of grant for township roads, I have asked them to consider whether it would be practicable to carry out this scheme in two or three sections over a period.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reply he has sent to the letter from Ross and Cromarty County Council urging that the constructing of the Ness-Tolsta road, the major reconstruction of the Pentland road and the bringing up to trunk road standard and reclassification as a trunk road of the Butt of Lewis-to-Rodel road in the Isle of Lewis be approved and proceeded with urgently, in view of the need for improved communications for tourist and general development and of the high level of local unemployment.

Mr. Noble

I have sent the hon. Member a copy of the official reply which was sent to the county council today.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what decisions have been taken in consultation with Inverness County Council about the proposed ferry service for Scalpay, Isle of Harris; and if he will make a statement on the vessels intended to be used, their capacity and the proposed frequency of the service.

Mr. Noble

I cannot add to the detailed letter which has already been sent to the hon. Member about the proposed vehicle ferry service to Scalpay, concluding that it should preferably run across the narrows between Kyles, Scalpay and Port-na-Geiltean on the north side of the island. The County Council is now investigating the area of rock at Port-na-Geiltean and I am awaiting its report. No final decision has been taken about the size and capacity of the vessel nor on the frequency of the service.

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