§ 15. Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now give a date for the introduction of a road equivalent tariff in the Western Isles.
§ Mr. MillanNo, Sir.
§ Mr. StewartIs not the right hon. Gentleman capable of some imagination on this issue? Instead of the mindless rubber-stamping of the jacking-up of fares year by year, and several times a year on some occasions, by the Scottish Transport Group, will he give some consideration, as adoption is inevitable at the end of the day, to the road equivalent tariff recommended by the Highlands and Islands Development Board and fight for assistance for the economic survival of the Scottish Islands in the way that the Government subsidise London Transport?
§ Mr. MillanWe already give a substantial subsidy to MacBrayne's, which in the coming year will amount to £3.6 million. I have repeatedly made clear that that does not mean that fares in the Western Isles will never go up. The 431 average increases, which have been announced, will be about 10 per cent. They have been graded in a way which will put rather less of the burden on the inhabitants of the Western Isles. I believe that that is the fair way to proceed. I shall be giving an increased subsidy next year.