§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to reduce the burden of high freight charges to and from the Scottish 82W Islands and Highland mainland; and whether he will consider setting up a committee to advise him on ways of doing so, taking into account reports of the various bodies that have already reported on the problem in recent years.
§ Mr. Ross:Discussions are proceeding between the Scottish Transport Group, the Highlands and Islands Development Board and my Department about the future pattern of services and charges to the Western Islands, and I am satisfied that it is not necessary to set up a committee.