§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what surveys he has conducted into the popularity of the bridge to Skye among local residents. [5213]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonHighland regional council conducted a survey among local residents in 1986 in which 70 per cent. of respondents supported the idea 1285W of a bridge replacing the ferries. Earlier this year, and prior to the bridge opening, further research was carried out on behalf of the Scottish Office by PA Cambridge Economic Consultants in liaison with the Transport Research Laboratory as part of a longer-term study of the impacts of the bridge. That work indicated varying perceptions of the bridge. Visitors to the area think the bridge will be of more benefit to residents of the area whereas residents of the area consider it likely to be more benefit to visitors. There have been no surveys since the bridge opened on 16 October.