§ 35. Mr. Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance will be given towards the transport costs of egg producers in remote areas on the Scottish mainland.
§ 43. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the Government's proposals for a subsidy for the transport of eggs from certain areas.
65. Mr. W. H. K. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will be able to announce details of his proposals to assist small egg producers in remote areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ 80. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to announce his detailed policy to assist egg producers' transport problems following the recommendations of the Reorganisation Commission.
§ Mr. BuchanI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, West (Mr. James Davidson) on 7th February. Details of the subvention to be given for sea transport are still being considered.—[Vol. 777 c. 188.]
§ Mr. BrewisHas the hon. Gentleman considered that the land costs of transport from remote areas to the mainland can be more expensive than, say, sea carriage from the Orkneys to Aberdeen? Has he taken that into account?
§ Mr. BuchanAs always, all matters are taken into account. The hon. Gentleman will know the recommendation put forward by the Reorganisation Commission which referred to the Orkneys.
§ Mr. StodartWhat particular reasons are the Government adopting for giving special assistance to a form of transport which is much cheaper than land transport, particularly when the subsidy to Northern Ireland transport is opening up to them a market in Glasgow in much more favourable circumstances than those on the mainland of Scotland?
§ Mr. BuchanThe hon. Gentleman is asking for the reason. No point of principle is involved. The difficulty of sea passage is recognised in the Special Assistance Scheme for the Isles and Northern Ireland which has operated under successive Governments, including his own.
§ Mr. GrimondMay I thank the Government for small mercies, and come to their assistance over this issue? Will the Government bear in mind that it is not only a question of the sea transport of eggs south, but the sea transport of foodstuffs north, which is extremely heavy, and that it is not the case that it is cheaper than rail or road?
§ Mr. BuchanI am aware of all the problems. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, I do not have his long experience of the Isles, but I have considerable experience of them.