HC Deb 31 October 1984 vol 65 cc1291-2
12. Mr. Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the operation of the Mingary-Tobermory ferry.

Mr. John MacKay

Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. operates this service as an approved service for which my right hon. Friend pays revenue subsidy. The company has recently sought his agreement to its initiating procedures to withdraw the service. He is considering the matter.

Mr. Johnston

Is the Minister aware that that is a highly unsatisfactory answer? Does he agree that the relatively isolated community in western Ardnamurchan is highly dependent on the service and has had, from the vessel provided by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. an unsatisfactory and probably unsafe service for some time? Will he take these matters very much into consideration?

Mr. MacKay

As the hon. Gentleman knows, if the proposal for withdrawal is to be taken further, there will be a full opportunity for the communities concerned to present their case to the Scottish transport users' consultative committee. I am sure that all those points will be raised at that committee meeting, if the matter goes to that stage.