§ 102. Sir M. MacDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has been able to make arrangements for the normal communications with the island of Soay, in view of the fact that the 270W islanders have not recently received rations or mails and of their desire that it these normal communications cannot be resumed they wish to be removed from the island to some suitable place on the mainland.
§ Mr. WestwoodThe normal weekly steamer service between Mallaig and Soay which carries rations and mails has been regularly maintained with the exception of one call when special arrangements were made for another vessel to call two days later. The Soay motor boat which also gave a weekly service between Soay and Mallaig has recently been lost. The islanders were consulted on a proposal to replace this service by a similar motor boat based on Mallaig, but did not regard it as adequate. They asked for an additional call by the mail boat but I am informed that time is not available for this call if necessary connections are to be maintained. I am looking into the situation urgently, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. The islanders will no doubt consider whether they wish to pursue the suggestion of evacuation in the light of such arrangements as may be found practicable.