HC Deb 22 June 1953 vol 516 cc1469-71
38. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Minister of Transport what general directions under Section 4 of the Transport Act, 1947, he has now issued to the British Transport Commission regarding the burden of high transport costs and the unsatisfactory state of railway services in the North of Scotland as a result of the deputation he received on this matter a year ago from the Inverness Chamber of Commerce, and of the recent communication from the Highland Advisory Committee of the Scottish Tourist Board.

61. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Transport what general directions he has given under Section 4 of the Transport Act, 1947, for the implementation of the recommendations of the Cameron Committee on Transport in the Highlands and Islands.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

None, Sir. None of the matters in question is appropriate to a direction under Section 4 of the 1947 Act.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, unless something is done to meet this difficulty of high transport costs in the North, not only will development be virtually impossible, but it will be very difficult to maintain life as it is?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am aware of the particular problems of the Highlands and, as I have explained to my noble Friend and others, when the Commission produce their merchandise scheme, if in their view it does not provide adequately for conditions in the Highlands, there is recourse to the Transport Tribunal and, under the recent Act, there may be a measure nearer local autonomy in regard to charges.

Mr. Grimond

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he accepts the general findings of the Cameron Commission? If so, what action do the Government propose to take upon them?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the Cameron Commission reported on action which must be taken by another authority, I think it would be inappropriate for me to give a decision.

56. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the situation facing many Scottish islands through the difficulties of transport; and if he will initiate an inquiry.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am indeed aware of the importance of transport to the Scottish Islands, and I should be happy to examine, in concert with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, any proposal that the hon. Member has of any practicable improvements in the shipping services.

Mr. Grimond

While I thank the Minister for that answer, may I ask him to treat this matter with some urgency, because many of these islands are being depopulated through the high cost of transport and in certain cases there is a danger that the transport services might fail altogether?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will follow up my proposal. If, after that, it seemed desirable, I would refer the matter to the advisory panel on the Highlands and Islands.

Mr. G. R. Howard

If taxation is introduced on the Scilly Isles, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will also look into any representations made by the Scillonians in connection with help of that sort to their steamship company?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am always ready to receive any representations.