§ 52. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the proposal by the National Board for Prices and Incomes that the operations of the North of Scotland, Orkney and Shetlands Shipping Company Limited should be subsidised from the rates; what consideration is being given to extending this proposal to other services presently subsidised from Government funds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonMy right hon. Friend will be consulting the company, both county councils and the Highlands and Islands Development Board about this proposal, and will be considering all its implications.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland in view of the subsidies paid to Messrs. MacBrayne, what proposals he has for assisting transport and keeping down freight rates to Orkney and Shetland.
§ Mr. RossI would refer the right hon. Member to the reply which I have given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin).