§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the amount of sea traffic passing through the Kyle of Lochalsh, what consideration has been given to the construction of a tunnel rather than a bridge to Skye; and what estimate he has made of the cost of a tunnel.
§ Mr. RossNone, but a tunnel would probably be more expensive than a bridge both to build and to maintain.
§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the effect of high ferry charges on the 26W cost of living on the island of Skye and the inconvenience caused by delays particularly in the summer months; and if he will now state when it will be possible to establish a permanent land link between Skye and the mainland.
§ Mr. RossCost of living statistics are not available for Skye, and I am unable to estimate the effect of ferry charges. An analysis of delays on the Kyle of Lochalsh/Kyleakin ferry was made by the Highland Transport Board, which has recommended in its final report that a further study should be made of the type of vessel and jetty requirements; I have invited comments on this report from the local authorities and other interests concerned. The Board did not recommend the construction of a permanent land link between Skye and the mainland, and I have no plans for this.
§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the approximate cost of building a bridge from the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh to the island of Skye.
§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the approximate cost of building a bridge from the mainland at Glenelg to the island of Skye including the cost of road improvements from Shiel Bridge to Glenelg and Kyleakin to Broad-ford.