§ 1. Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has made concerning the unsuitability of the motor vessel "Western Isles" to operate as a relief for the "Loch Arkaig" on the Small Isles and Raasay run.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Development, Scottish Office (Mr. George Younger)I do not agree that the "Western Isles" is unsuitable for this purpose.
§ Mr. JohnstonThe answer which the Minister gives is not, with respect, an answer to the Question, which asks about representations. I wonder what representations he has had. Will he give me an assurance that in any future changes in the vessels serving the Small Isles, in terms of replacement of existing services, either temporarily or permanently, as will happen soon, there will be an improvement rather than a diminution in the standard and quality of the service provided?
§ Mr. YoungerThe question related to what representations I had made, and that, probably is the difference between us. I have asked for the Scottish Transport Group's observations on the criticism of the "Western Isles" which have been addressed to me. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I expect the Scottish Transport Group to keep to its oblige- 414 tions to provide an adequate service on this and other routes.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownOn the wider issue of services to the Western Isles generally, is the Minister aware that there is widespread discontent about the Hebridean handout of £17,000 to his private enterprise friends? Is there any possibility of a public inquiry into the overall services, or must it be done only within the statutory limitation of the transport users' consultative committee?
§ Mr. YoungerIt would not be for me to prejudice any consideration by the T.U.C.C., but I am sure the hon. Member will know that the £17,000 is much less than the present cost to public funds of these services.