§ 1. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why, in the Estimates for his Department, the subsidy to David MacBrayne Ltd. for maintenance of transport services in the Western Islands and Highlands is increased from £246,150 to £282,100.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Niall Macpherson)The agreement between the Government and the company provides for increases or decreases in the annual grant to take account of losses or profits. The adjustments are made retrospectively, and the provision in the Scottish Home Department Estimate for 1959–60 is higher than in the previous year because such an adjustment had to be made for 1958.
§ Mr. DaviesCan the hon. Gentleman say to what extent control is exercised over the company and to what extent the accounts are available? Can they be placed in the Library so that hon. Members can see them?
§ Mr. MacphersonI should require notice of the second part of the hon. 3 Gentleman's supplementary question. The company is an independent company operating entirely independently.
§ Mr. WoodburnCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the Government-appointed director attends regularly?
§ Mr. MacphersonThe right hon. Gentleman would have to give me notice of that question also.