HC Deb 03 May 1972 vol 836 cc384-5
27. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a pier at West Loch, Tarbert, capable of taking the largest new transport containers and coping with the passenger and commercial needs of the Western Isles.

Mr. Younger

Following the recent report of the Scottish Transport Users Consultative Committee, my right hon. Friend is considering his attitude towards the support of sea transport services to the Islay group of islands. A decision to construct a new pier would, however, be a matter for the local authority or transport operator concerned.

Mr. Rankin

Will Ministers accept from me that the proposals outlined in this Question represent the views of every one of the islanders who are suffering under the present state of affairs and the views of many people in public life elsewhere? May I take it that these proposals will be accepted by the Secretary of State when he puts his policy into operation?

Mr. Younger

I am not certain to which proposals the hon. Gentleman is referring. If it is to the proposal mentioned in his Question to provide a pier at West Loch, Tarbert, that is a matter for the operators concerned or for the county council in the light of the considerations which my right hon. Friend is giving to the future arrangements for subsidy on these services.

Mr. Rankin

Is the hon. Gentleman telling me that a pier will not be provided at West Loch, Tarbert, capable of taking all the services for the island, the transport of commodities and the rest which are necessary for every aspect of life, including the transport of motor cars? Will not that be done?

Mr. Younger

There are already two piers at West Loch, Tarbert—

Mr. Rankin

They are insufficient.

Mr. Younger

One is not capable of taking roll on-roll off services, but there is another at Kennacraig which is capable of taking vehicles on a roll on-roll off basis, and it is in use now.