HC Deb 19 November 1940 vol 365 cc1816-7
33. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Transport, whether he is aware that the s.s. "Clydesdale," which was recently put on the subsidised service between Stornoway and Kyle of Loch alsh by the MacBrayne Company is unfit for the accommodation of humans, is not equipped with reasonable sanitary conveniences, has only room by Board of Trade standards for a small number of persons; if he will seek an assurance from the MacBrayne Company, under Clause 26 of the subsidy contract, that this vessel will not again be used on that run; and that, against such an emergency recurring, one of the other better vessels belonging to the company will be sent?

Mr. Montague

The "Clydesdale" was put on this service for two periods of about a fortnight each recently to replace the regular vessel, which had to be withdrawn suddenly for repair; the company had no other suitable vessel available for this purpose. While I agree that the "Clydesdale" is not up to the normal peace-time standard of comfort and convenience she has a passenger certificate for 168 persons and I cannot accept as accurate my hon. Friend's description of her deficiencies. The company have assured me that if the necessity for a substitute for the regular boat arises again, they will provide the best vessel available, but I am afraid that in present circumstances it is not possible to give an undertaking that the "Clydesdale" will not be used.

Mr. MacMillan

While I do not wish to embarrass my hon. Friend or the company by asking them to withdraw vessels from other parts of the service, has he verified the information I have given him about the accommodation? I have travelled by this means myself, and I know the facts first-hand. The accommodation is completely unsuitable, even for cattle, and more especially unsuitable and unfair to the men of the Services who go on leave and have a long voyage in front of them. Will he take action and make quite sure that the ship is fitted with passenger accommodation before it goes on service again?

Mr. Montague

My information is that while the vessel is for from being perfect, or even desirable for service, the hon. Member's description is not quite accurate. If he will see me afterwards, I can give him some information that I can hardly give him in answer to this Question.

Mr. Shinwell

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have had expert knowledge of MacBrayne's steamers for 25 years and that I know they have never been perfect?

Mr. MacMillan

Is my hon. Friend aware that a very high subsidy is paid to that company and that what I say is perfectly true?