HC Deb 28 May 1894 vol 24 c1389
MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that there is only weekly communication by steamer with Ullapool, Aultbea, Poolewe, and other populous districts on the west coast of the mainland of Ross-shire; and that transit by road, a distance of upwards of 30 miles to the nearest railway station, is so costly as to seriously affect the fishing industry; whether more frequent steamer communication will be provided; and whether he will consider the desirability of introducing, as in the West of Ireland, light railways or road trams in these districts?

THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, Bridgeton

The whole population of Western Ross-shire, extending over a tract of 624,000 acres, is 11,400 A yearly subsidy of £7,000 is granted for steamer service in the Western Highlands and Islands, and vessels touch once a week at Ullapool and thrice a week at Gairloch. Both places have a daily mail service by railway and coach. The Scottish Office is not prepared to recommend an increase of this subsidy, nor do I see my way at present to ask the assistance of the Treasury towards the establishment of light railways or road trams in these districts.

MR. WEIR

Has not a very large sum been spent on the Island of Lewis?

SIR G. TREVELYAN

Yes, a good deal has been done for that island.