§ 21. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he intends to take on the recent report on the North Isles shipping services in Orkney.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThe Orkney Steam Navigation Company has undertaken to give serious consideration to the introduction of an improved schedule of sailings in the spring of 1958, and my right hon. Friend has asked for the company's detailed proposals to be sent to him as soon as possible.
§ Mr. GrimondI thank the Minister for that reply. As regards the more long-term considerations of capital for new ships and the possibility of a different type of ship, has the hon. Gentleman received any protest from the county council? If so, is he acting upon it? If not, who is responsible for taking the next step in the longer term?
§ Mr. MacphersonThe question of financial assistance will have to be considered, first, when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State learns the company's detailed proposals concerning the schedules. Secondly, there is the much more difficult long-term question in which a matter of principle is involved, and that is being considered by Departments at present.