§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made towards the provision of a permanent landing strip on the Island of Barra.
§ Mr. William RossIt had been hoped that a grass-covered landing strip could be provided on Barra at a reasonable cost, with the Highlands and Islands Development Board making the major contribution. I now understand that, in the light of recent technical advice, a bitumen or other hard strip would be needed, and after consultations with the other interests concerned the board has reluctantly decided that the revised cost of the project is prohibitive. The licensed runway on the beach continues to be used.