§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why no new applications will be accepted by him in respect of crofting townships roads programmes; why no applications already lodged under the programme will be approved; what is the total estimated cost of the townships road unapproved programme submitted by the Highlands regional council; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramIn 1983 the five local authorities concerned were advised that the crofting township roads scheme would end at 31 March 1987; that new applications would be accepted up to 30 September 1986; and that total funds available for the scheme would be about £350,000 per annum. Since then the number of applications, and the cost of the projects, have both risen faster than anticipated. Outstanding grant approvals will absorb all the available funds and, to allow for grant on these projects to be paid in full before the scheme ends, it has been decided that no further applications can be approved. The estimated total cost of projects submitted by Highland regional council which will not now qualify for approval under the scheme is £363,420.