HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc719-20
10. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that at present, owing to the fact that Broadford Pier is closed and, as the steamer from Mallaig calls only three days a week at Armadale Pier, people from the South of the Isle of Skye have to go 25 miles to Kyleakin, cross to Kyle of Lochalsh, and thence make a two hours journey by boat to Mallaig; and will he take steps to secure a daily call at Armadale Pier and thereby secure a lasting benefit to the people of the Isle of Skye?

Mr. Colville

As regards the first part of the question, I am glad to be able to inform the hon. Member that the Department of Agriculture for Scotland have offered the county council of Inverness-shire a grant and loan towards the cost of reconstruction of Broadford Pier. With regard to the second part, the possibility of altering the present services so as to provide for a daily call at Armadale was one of the questions affecting services discussed with the company in connection with the new MacBrayne contract, but it was not found practicable. There is, however, a ferry service daily between 1st May and 15th October.

Sir Murdoch MacDonald

Is the Minister aware that a boat really does pass daily between Kyle and Mallaig and might well call at Armadale daily as well as at Mallaig and thus give the service asked for?

Mr. Colville

I do not think I could discuss details at Question Time. Perhaps there may be an opportunity in the Debate.

Mr. Kirkwood

Would the Secretary of State for Scotland ask that the boat should call at Armadale Pier, which is the pier of Sleat, the southern part of Skye? To reach Mallaig from Armadale people used to go to Broadford, 16 miles by road. Broadford being closed they have to go to Kyleakin, 25 miles by road, then cross the ferry to Kyle of Lochalsh and get the steamer there. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that to cross to a place five miles across the Sound of Sleat, people have to travel by road 25 miles and then sail for two hours?

Mr. Colville

It is a question of timing the calls at other ports.