HC Deb 10 March 1931 vol 249 cc980-1
40. Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the MacBrayne steamer going from Stornoway to Kyle of Lochalsh has suspended its morning call at Applecross, and that a passenger on the MacBrayne steamer from Applecross to Kyle of Lochalsh, a few miles to the south, has to proceed from Applecross to Stornoway, 60 miles to the north, and return from there, passing Applecross on the way, on the following day; and what steps he proposes to take to make the MacBrayne Company implement that part of their contract which guaranteed a maintenance of existing services, in view of the inconvenience and hardship caused to the inhabitants of the Apple-cross district?

Mr. CHARLES EDWARDS (Lord of the Treasury)

The following is the reply which I have been asked to give on behalf of my right hon. Friend. As I informed the right hon. and learned Member in reply to a question which he asked on this subject on the 31st October, 1929. I have agreed that the hazardous call during the night of the Stornoway mail steamer at Applecross should be discontinued during the winter months. I may add, however, that arrangements have been made to secure that, subject to weather conditions, calls shall continue to be made in cases where illness in the Applecross district necessitates the removal of patients to hospital.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is the hon. Member aware that the children cannot get back from their holidays because the steamer does not call, and that if there are any bad cases of illness, and there have been several cases of illness, no doctor can be got?

Mr. EDWARDS

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will either see my right hon. Friend or put down another question. Obviously, I cannot reply.