HC Deb 21 January 1976 vol 903 cc1322-3
6. Mr. MacCormick

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding facilities for the fishing industry in Oban.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

The Oban and District Fishermen's Association recently submitted representations about the condition of the South Pier at Oban and its possible acquisition by the association as a berthing place. These are matters for Strathclyde Regional Council as owners of the pier and the association is being informed accordingly.

Mr. MacCormick

I thank the Minister for his reply. I know that he is a frequent visitor to Oban and will be aware of the fairly chaotic conditions there. However, will he appreciate that at present Strathclyde Regional Council does not have the cash to put in train the works required? Will he put pressure on the regional council to make it negotiate with the association?

Mr. Brown

That is a possibility, but the hon. Gentleman will be aware that the proposals submitted by Oban Town Council in 1966 to reconstruct the South Pier at an estimated cost of £200,000 were approved in principle, with a grant of 75 per cent. under the Fisheries Act 1955, but, for various reasons, they were not proceeded with. I can only repeat that it is a matter for either the Strathclyde Region or the Scottish Transport Group, which own the three piers between them.