§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on progress towards construction of the Skye bridge, with particular reference to reported difficulties encountered in respect of concrete poured atop the north pier; and if he will estimate what financial implications this will have for the project as a whole.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe particularly bad weather conditions experienced over the winter months have caused the construction of the main bridge to be not as well advanced as other parts of the scheme. The difficulty with the concrete at the top of the north pier has not been an obstacle to progress. The contractor is currently reviewing his programme and, given good weather conditions coupled with an improvement in output, anticipates completion of the bridge in autumn 1995. The financial implications associated with the construction contract lie with the contractor and the developer: there are no implications either for the level or the duration of the tolls, which remain as published in the made toll order.