§ Mr. John MacKayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the question of a subsidy to bulk carriers in shipping services to the Scottish islands; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindDiscussions have been taking place with the three main operators of bulk cargo services to the Scottish Islands since the Government committed themselves to the principle of supporting these services earlier this year. I have now informed Glenlight Shipping, Shetland Line and Hay & Company that I intend, subject to parliamentary approval, to make assistance available in 1980–81 and 1981–82. Draft undertakings with three companies under the Highlands and Islands Shipping Services Act 1960 have now been laid before the House. These will be debated in the near future when I shall announce the precise terms of Government assistance.
The Government remain committed to increasing assistance to sea transport services to the Scottish islands and this marks another stage in the fulfilment of that commitment.