§ Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to privatise MacBryne Haulage Ltd.
§ Mr. YoungerI am today directing the Scottish Transport Group, under section 27 of the Transport Act 1962, to dispose of its interest in MacBrayne Haulage Ltd.
MacBrayne Haulage is the last road haulage operator in public ownership in Britain. It provides services to the major west coast islands of Scotland and its unduly close relationship with Caledonian MacBrayne, to the detriment of competition, was criticised last year by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Its disposal will stimulate competition and should be to the benefit of the island communities.