HC Deb 04 December 1968 vol 774 cc472-3W
Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a statement on the action he is taking to implement the recommendation of the Highland Transport Board that shipping charges to the islands should be broadly comparable with transport charges to remote parts of the mainland; what consultations he has had with the Highlands and Islands Development Board; who has attended these consultations from his Department; and how many meetings have been held, and where.

Mr. Ross

There have been a number of meetings, at Ministerial and official levels; and discussions with the Board about this recommendation, which raises complex issues, are continuing.

Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what survey he has made Of will make into the effect of the increased MacBraynes' fares on the lives and economy of the Islanders and Western Highlanders of Scotland; and what study he made of the cost of living index for the Islands before consenting to the increase and before his decision not to refer the. matter to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. Ross

There is no separate index of retail prices for the areas served by MacBraynes. As required by my Undertaking with the company, before reaching my decision I had regard to the likely effect of increased charges on the economy of these areas, as well as to the cost to the Government of maintaining the existing fares. I will keep the position under review, but I see no need for a special survey.