HC Deb 19 January 1993 vol 217 cc228-9W
Mr. Charles Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take in the light of the absence of the lodging of the geographical survey, relevant to the Skye bridge contract, with the British Geological Survey; what legal force is ascribed to the relevant section of his Department's "Road's Directorate Invitation to Tender" document in this respect; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The arrangments for the various tenderers to undertake a joint geological investigation and ultimately to lodge the factual results of their survey with the British Geological Survey is a roads directorate contractual requirement not a legal requirement. This practice is undertaken on trunk road projects whereby the information provided by public expenditure is made available for general use. There is no prescribed time limit for the lodging of such information and it is done at an appropriate time, often at the conclusion of the construction works.

Mr. Charles Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what allowance he has made for the extent of public subsidy to Caledonian Macbrayne Ltd. after the loss of Kyle of Lochalsh-Kyleakin ferry fares income to the company when the Skye bridge opens; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The company's corporate plan for 1992–95 contains assumptions on cost savings and loss of revenue which are likely to occur upon the discontinuation of the Kyle of Lochalsh-Kyleakin ferry service. My right hon. Friend has taken these assumptions into account in making provision for deficit subsidy for the company within the planning period. My right hon. Friend does not consider it desirable to make public such commercially-sensitive information.