§ 36. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now give financial aid to the construction by Inverness County Council of jetties at Scalpay and Kyles Scalpay, Isle of Harris, and the provision of a vehicular ferry service.
§ Lord John HopeThe county council has not submitted any specific proposals for such jetties. If and when it does my right hon. Friend will be prepared to consider them.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the noble Lord aware that this is part of a scheme embracing a road, jetties and a ferry service—started many years ago—and that it is becoming a matter of dismay to the local population and all concerned that the scheme has not been completed? Is he aware that there is no other industry in the island, since the Harris Tweed industry collapsed and fishing dwindled to its present small scale? Cannot the Government and the noble Lord feel that they can make some contribution through the Secretary of State's Department towards solving the problems of the area?
§ Lord John HopePerhaps the hon. Member will direct his observations in the first place to the county council concerned if he thinks that it ought to produce specific proposals which, as he knows, must be made before anything can take place by way of response.