HC Deb 22 February 1897 vol 46 c855
MR. D. NICOL (Argyll)

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he has come to any decision on the subject of the Report of the Departmental Committee appointed to consider the mail packet service to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; and if he could conveniently communicate same at an early date to the House?

*THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. GRAHAM MURRAY,) Buteshire

Upon consideration of the recommendations made by the Departmental Committee referred to by the hon. Member, it has been decided to place a sum of £5,450 on the West Highlands and Islands (Public Works) Vote for the purpose of subsidising mail steamers on the West Coast of Scotland, and £3,225 for the Orkney and Shetland services. The arrangements consequent on the reduction of this Vote will not come into operation until the 1st of October next, and, as they still form the subject of consideration, I am not in a position to state them in detail.