§ MR. WEIRTo ask the Lord Advocate whether the Secretary for Scotland has received a petition from the inhabitants of the western mainland of Ross and Cromarty and Sutherland, urging the establishment of a steamer service between Mallaig, Lochinver, and intermediate ports; and whether, in view of the advantage of the proposed steamer to postal service and fishing industry in the congested area, he will consider the expediency of arranging for the Congested Districts Board to grant an annual subsidy in aid of the service.
(Answered by Mr. A. Graham Murray.) The petition in question has been received by the Secretary for Scotland and answered by him. No subsidies are now 1089 granted to steamship companies trading with the Western Highlands; the only payment made from public funds to such companies is as mail carriers in return for services rendered to the Postmaster-General.