§ Mr. Maloneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial assistance he proposes for shipping services to the Scottish islands in 1985–86.
§ Mr. YoungerI propose to give deficit grants of £7.5 million to the Orkney Islands Shipping Company. I propose also to provide support for P and 0 and bulk shipping operators to allow them to continue to rebate the fares and charges 257W on their services on the present basis of discounts. I have therefore made provision of £3.4 million for P and 0 and £1.5 million for the bulk shippers.
In total, Government revenue support 1985–86 will amount to some £13.35 million, an increase of 8.6 per cent. over the sum which I estimate will be required in the current financial year.