HC Deb 19 May 1969 vol 784 cc34-6W
Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what tenders have been received for the building of the pier at Escart Pier; and what is their total amount;

(2) whether the cost of road works, car parks, consultants' fees, &c., for the new pier at Escart have been tendered for; and whether these are included in the total cost of £100,000.

Mr. Ross

The estimated cost of the necessary operations involved in building the pier which Argyll County Council has provided in connection with its application to me for authorisation under Section 7 of the Harbours, Piers and Ferries (Scotland) Act 1937, as amended, includes provision for these items. Tenders have not yet been sought.

Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether Escart Pier can be used by ships other than the new one being designed for MacBraynes.

Mr. Ross

The pier is being designed for use by roll-on roll-off type vessels, and, subject to limitations of size and draught, it will be available for use by any ship of this type.

Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being contemplated for a relief ship when the new ship designed for Escart Pier is out of action for any reason.

Mr. Ross

I understand that MacBraynes hope to arrange for a drive-on drive-off vehicle ferry to relieve its new vessel when necessary.

Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the tender price for the new ship which is being ordered by MacBraynes for the Islay run.

Mr. Ross

I understand that the tender price of the new vessel now being built for MacBraynes is £740,000.

Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being made for the service to Gigha and Jura under the new scheme; what ship is to undertake this service; what is the cost of a new ship; and from which piers she will operate.

Mr. Ross

Detailed arrangements for serving Jura and Gigha have not yet been concluded, but it is intended that each island should be served by a small new vehicle ferry. Tender prices for these vessels have not yet been obtained.

Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being made by him to hear objections to the current scheme proposed by the Scottish Office for the new MacBraynes scheme to Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Gigha.

Mr. Ross

I assume that the right hon. Member is referring to the proposal by Argyll County Council for a pier at Escart Bay. The Harbours, Piers and Ferries (Scotland) Act 1937, under which Argyll County Council has sought my authorisation for the works, makes provision for the lodging of objections with me. The arrangements I make for the consideration of any objections which may be lodged will depend on their nature.

Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the work on the new pier at Escart Bay will start; and by what date it is to be finished.

Mr. Ross

I cannot yet say when Argyll County Council may be able to make a start on the pier but I understand the work is expected to take some nine to twelve months.