HC Deb 04 December 1951 vol 494 cc2199-201
12. Major D. McCallum

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a greater allocation of houses in 1952 to the local authorities in the Glasgow, Paisley and Greenock industrial areas in order to rehouse those workers at present living in the Cowal coast area of the West Highlands who, after 7th January, 1952, will no longer be able to reach their places of work at the proper hour as a result of the termination of the steamship services.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am not at present aware of any housing need which would arise from the withdrawal of the Cowal steamship services which would justify a special allocation of houses.

Major McCallum

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if this termination of services is carried out, a large number of workers in the area in question will have to move over to the Glasgow district in order to carry out their work, and will he consult with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and see that these services are not terminated?

Mr. Stuart

As I said, I am not aware of this problem at the moment, and according to my information I do not think that a great number of people have to cross the water, but the matter is now under consideration by the Transport Users' Consultative Committee and I shall, no doubt, hear if this difficulty arises.

Mr. Hector McNeil

Will the Secretary of State not agree with his hon. and gallant Friend that if these proposed cancellations take place, substantial industrial and housing difficulties will be created in consequence? Will the Secretary of State not assure the House that he will make representations to his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport to ensure that this stupid, anti-social restriction does not take place?

Mr. Stuart

I have been asked about the housing. As regards the steamer services. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that representations have been made.

14. Major McCallum

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consult with the Scottish Tourist Board and the Highland Panel in regard to the future of the tourist industry and Highland development generally in the Cowal district of Argyll, particularly as regards the towns and villages of Innellan, Kirn, Hunters Quay, Kilmun and Strone, in view of the decision to terminate the steamer services to the piers at these places.

Mr. J. Stuart

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is awaiting a report from the Scottish Transport Users' Consultative Committee on the withdrawal of the steamer services from these piers, and I shall be happy to consider with him any proposals which the Scottish Tourist Board or the Highlands Advisory Panel may wish to put forward.

Major McCallum

Is my right hon. Friend aware that every Highland authority for years past has been trying to carry out Highland development to stop the drift of the population away from the Highlands? Is he also aware that these five piers at the places mentioned in the Question carried over 200,000 travellers last year, and does he call them, as the Regional Officer in Scotland called them, "small and unfrequented piers?"

Mr. Stuart

No, Sir. I agree with the hon. and gallant Member as to the importance of this matter. The Scottish Transport Users' Consultative Committee is, I think, the proper body to deal with the matter in the first place. I may say that a sub-committee of this Consultative Committee has already met in Glasgow on 28th November, and there is to be a further full meeting on 7th December. I shall of course pay careful attention to the result of those meetings.

Major McCallum

Is my right hon. Friend further aware that one of the principle members of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee is the very officer in Scotland who is responsible for these cancellations?

Mr. Stuart

The hon. and gallant Member may be relieved to know that the Scottish Tourist Board has also appointed a sub-committee and has interested itself in this matter.