§ Major Neven-Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the inconvenience, delay, expense, and, at times, danger caused in the handling of passengers, mails, and livestock in the county of Orkney through the lack of small-boat piers at the islands of Hoy, Graemsay, Wyre, Egilsay and Papa Westray; that it is impossible for either the district councils or the county 757W council to meet the cost of construction; and whether he will arrange for a 100 per cent. grant for their construction within the next two years on the understanding that the county council would thereafter be responsible for the upkeep?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am prepared to consider applications for assistance towards the provision of piers in the congested districts if they are submitted by the appropriate county council or harbour authority and subject to funds being available. I have received an application for a grant-in-aid of constructing a pier at Moaness, Hoy and have informed the county council that it will have favourable consideration provided that the council proceed in terms of the Harbours, Piers and Ferries (Scotland) Act, 1937. I understand that the matter is having the council's attention.