HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc718-9
9. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the letter from the Tiree Association protesting against the granting of the mail contract to Messrs. MacBrayne for a further period of 10 years, and urging the development of a daily air service, taking one hour from Glasgow instead of 14 hours by rail and boat as at present; what reply he has given thereto; and what steps he is taking to improve air communications with the Western Isles with a view to bringing the amenities of civilisation within reach of the inhabitants of those islands?

Mr. Colville

I have received the letter referred to in the first part of the question. I have sent a letter in acknowledgment and have informed the General Post Office and the Air Ministry of its contents. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General that the air service to Tiree has not yet reached a stage at which it could be used for the carriage of mails. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air has adopted measures for encouraging the development of air services in this country by means of subsidy and radio and meteorological facilities, and these measures will apply to air services to the Western Isles.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the urgency of the question of speed, and that the time taken is far too long in this case; and seeing that the only means of transport for these islands is by sea, he might push on with the idea of getting them reached by air and not wait for 10 years, for anything may happen in that time?

Mr. Colville

I agree with the hon. Member that flying in the Western Isles during the last few years has been very helpful, and I want to see it improved.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the letter from the Tiree Association has certainly not expressed the views of the people in the Western Isles of Scotland who desire our improved steamer service to continue, apart from the air service; and, furthermore, regarding the last part of the question, is he aware that civilisation was in the Western Isles long before it penetrated here?

13. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered representations from the elected representatives of the Outer Hebrides regarding the excessive freight charges by the MacBrayne Steamer Company, especially on foodstuffs and exports of local fishermen; and whether he has urged, or is urging, the substantial and early reduction of these charges?

Mr. Colville

I have received a resolution in the sense referred to in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, I would refer to Article 23 of the contract with Messrs. David MacBrayne Limited which deals with freight charges.

Mr. MacMillan

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is to be no reduction within two years, but that these burdens upon the people are operating now, and not two years hence? Will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps in the matter?

Mr. Colville

I think that question had better be discussed when the contract is debated.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not a fact that while the rates charged are high the wages paid to the clerks are low?