HC Deb 10 November 1971 vol 825 c991
14. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will announce his policy for the assistance over freight charges to Orkney and Shetland.

Mr. Younger

When my right hon. Friend has completed his review of island shipping services and subsidies. Many of the relevant facts have only recently become available, following the publication on 11th October of Professor Gaskin's Report on freight rates and prices in the Islands.

Mr. Grimond

Will the Minister bear to mind that this matter is now extremely urgent for many reasons, but principally because we have an annual increase of 10 per cent. on freights which is far beyond any of the Government's norms, or targets, and it is disastrous for the Islands?

Mr. Younger

I can well understand the concern which is felt about these increases. The right hon. Gentleman has been in touch with me about them. There are many factors which have to be taken into account in a change of policy, but we shall waste no time in coming to decisions as soon as we can.