§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the inadequate coastwise shipping facilities around the coasts of Scotland and the widespread demand for increased 2273W facilities; and whether he will consider taking steps to organise and develop Scottish coastwise shipping so as to render the produce of the crofts and farms in the Scottish coastal islands readily available to the markets at the ports and large centres of population of Scotland?
§ Mr. ElliotI am informed that representations about coastal services have been made to the sub-committee of the Scottish Economic Committee which is at present engaged in examining the economic conditions of the Highlands and Islands. The question of transport to the mainland of the produce of the Scottish coastal islands will no doubt be dealt with in the forthcoming report of the subcommittee.