HC Deb 02 June 1959 vol 606 cc17-8
25. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the name of his representative on the MacBrayne Steamer Services; how much his remuneration is; and how many meetings he attends each year.

Mr. Maclay

The Government director on the company's board appointed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation is Sir William Robieson. His remuneration, which is paid by the company, is £400 per annum. I am informed that he has attended 33 out of a possible 34 board meetings since his appointment.

Mrs. Mann

I asked how many meetings he attended each year, but the right hon. Gentleman has given me the number since his appointment. If the right hon. Gentleman reports on the reorganisation of Messrs. MacBrayne and on complaints and criticisms about the state of the steamers and of the timetable, I should like specifically to know why, since this is probably the only transport subsidised in the British Isles, and to the tune of £300,000 a year, this House is kept in the dark?

Mr. Maclay

The answer to the first part of that supplementary question is that the board of MacBrayne's has formal meetings once a month except in August and December. The answer to the second part is that there is constant contact between Sir William Robieson, my Department and MacBrayne's at which many of the subjects mentioned by the hon. Lady are discussed.

29. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the fact that Messrs. MacBrayne's transport subsidy is now £300,000 per annum, if he will state the proportion of this which is required for transport of Her Majesty's mails; and what consultations are conducted with regard to the remainder, particularly in respect of transport services.

Mr. Maclay

Provision is included in the estimate of the Post Office for a payment of £78,840 to Messrs. David MacBrayne Ltd. in respect of the carriage of mails. In addition to the discussions that took place before the present agreement between the Government and the company was concluded, the payments to the company are reviewed annually when the company's accounts are presented, and also when any change is made in their general services or charges.

Mrs. Mann

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that, apart from Her Majesty's mails, the company is subsidised by more than £222,000 per annum? In view of the fact that this service is absolutely necessary to tourism in Scotland, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to see that we get a report annually in this House regarding the working of MacBrayne's?

Mr. Maclay

Considerable details are given in the Estimates, as the hon. Lady will see when they come before the House. I should like to show her the details when they appear, but I will consider whether any more details are desirable or practicable.