§ 11. Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received communications
§ from the Western Isles expressing dissatisfaction with the recent announcement of the proposed terms of the new Hebridean mail contract; and whether 195 he will, before presenting the contract to this House, take into careful consideration the need for a reduction in all freights and passenger fares to and from the islands, increased accommodation of an up-to-date kind for all classes of passengers, and a reduction of the time allowance for the various sea passages?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but as might be expected the communications represent a considerable diversity of views. I shall further consider the position with regard to freights and fares, but I can hold out no prospect of providing for further reductions which would involve an increase in the charge upon public funds. The arrangements for new vessels, to which I attach great importance, should meet requirements with regard to accommodation. The contract will include a provision empowering the Government to reduce the time-allowance for the Stornoway and other sea passages when the new vessels are commissioned.