Dr. MURRAYasked the Minister of Transport whether Messrs. MacBrayne have reduced the sailings of their cargo boat between Glasgow and Stornoway to one trip in 14 days; whether he is aware that this service is the chief means of transport for food and other necessaries to a population of 30,000; that during the winter the population is increased by several thousands in connection with the winter herring fishing; and what steps the Ministry propose to take in order to secure regular food supplies to the people of Stornoway and Lewis?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that the fortnightly service between Glasgow and Stornoway will be maintained by larger boats, and that there is no reason to fear any immediate shortage of supplies at the latter place. If, when the herring fishing starts, the present service threatens to prove insufficient, the matter will be reconsidered.