HC Deb 18 February 1926 vol 191 cc2118-9
51. Mr. MACQUISTEN

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Highlands and Islands of Scotland could be repopulated and add very materially to the food supplies of the country given efficient transport facilities; and whether he will consider in lieu of the present postal subsidy of £70,000 per annum to one steamboat company, giving postal subsidies to various others and subsidising a modern line of coastal steamers, subject in the matter of freights and ports of call to the Railway and Canal Commissioners, and generally follow the precedent of the Government of Norway in respect of the coastal and fiord steamers there?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have been asked to reply. I recognise the importance to the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland of efficient transport facilities, but, at the same time, I think it must be borne in mind that the population which the Highlands and Islands can sustain, according to modern standards, and the possibilities of increasing food production in those areas are necessarily limited.

With regard to the second part of the question, the subsidy paid to the company which is no doubt referred to by my hon. and learned Friend is at present £36,000 per annum, of which a part is met from the Vote for my Department. I understand that the Postmaster-General sees no reason at the present time to make any substantial change in the existing general arrangements under which postal services are rendered by the steamers of the company referred to and of two other companies. A careful review of the existing facilities has recently been undertaken with a view to considering whether any improvements can reasonably be made in transport arrangements generally to the Western Highlands and Islands. The matter is at present under consideration. There appears, however, to be no prospect at present that the matter could be dealt with at a reasonable cost on the lines suggested in the concluding part of the question.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that the result of giving a very large subsidy to a single line of steamers creates a monopoly, because nobody else can start against it; and is he not aware that if it gets that subsidy and is absolutely unrestricted in regard to the Railway and Canal Commissioners, the charges are bound to be such that the whole money spent by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, etc., is wasted, because if a man makes any prosperity at all, it immediately finds its way into the pockets of the steamboat company?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have made it clear by my answer to the question that it is not confined to one company, but to three companies.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

But one big company.

Dr. DRUMMOND SHIELS

Will the conclusions of the Departmental Committee be published and available to Members of the House?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the appointment of a committee of some steamboat men acquainted with the wants and needs of the Highlands?