§ 19. Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the loss to Messrs. MacBrayne's 1709 arising from the seamen's strike; and whether he will give an assurance that this will be met from Government funds and not be added to the fares to the public.
§ Mr. RossThe company has provisionally estimated that it has lost £175,000 as a result of the strike, and this will affect the amount of the grant to be paid to the company this year in accordance with the terms of its undertaking. The question of future charges will be considered in the light of all the circumstances, including of course the Government's policy on prices and incomes.
§ Mr. NobleCan the right hon. Gentleman give a clear assurance that no continuing results of this loss will fall on the ordinary people in the Islands, who have themselves suffered considerably from the strike?
§ Mr. RossI realise that there have been difficulties in the Islands, particularly during the period of the strike, and, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, I am under an obligation in relation to my duties for the control of MacBrayne's and its charges to take account of the economic difficulties and effects that any change in charges might have on the Islands.
§ Mr. GrimondWill the right hon. Gentleman confirm that he is willing to consider all applications from areas particularly affected by the strike for some compensation in respect of damage and loss which they have suffered?
§ Mr. RossThe Question deals with Messrs. MacBrayne's. If the right hon. Gentleman would like to put his Question down, I should be glad to answer it.