HC Deb 11 March 1924 vol 170 cc2173-4W
Sir W. SUTHERLAND

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the great difficulties experienced by the inhabitants of the island of Lismore, a few miles from Oban, by the lack of steamer communication; and will he take steps to remedy it?

Mr. ADAMSON

I am aware that the inhabitants of Lismore are dissatisfied with the existing means of communication with the mainland by steamers and motor boats. I regret, however, that I can hold out no hope of financial assistance being granted from public funds for the improvement of the existing services.

Sir W. SUTHERLAND

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the great difficulties experienced by the people at Bunessan and neighbourhood, Isle of Mull, Argyll, by the lack of steamer communication; and will he take steps to secure the resumption of the pre-War service to Bunessan?

Mr. ADAMSON

I understand that the only steamer which calls regularly at Bunessan is the "Dunara Castle," which calls there on her outward and inward voyages from and to Glasgow. Before the War the steamer from Oban, which served Tiree, used to continue her run to Bunessan, but this is not now practicable under the altered arrangements for the island services. Mails and passengers for Bunessan from Oban are now conveyed to Salen by steamer and thence by mail motor to Bunessan. This may, in some respects, be less advantageous to the people at Bunessan and neighbourhood than the pre-War arrangement, but I regret that I can hold out no prospect of financial assistance being given for the resumption of the pre-War steamer service to Bunessan.