§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Orkney Islands council regarding the construction of infrastructure for the proposed short sea crossing of the Pentland firth between Burwick and Gills bay.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonOrkney Islands council has applied to the Secretary of State for a harbour empowerment order to operate as a harbour authority at Gills bay. They already hold such powers at Burwick. The council has also inquired about the availability of ERDF funds for the terminals and has been told that no such funds are available.
§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department has received any request for support for the proposed short sea crossing of the Pentland firth between Burwick and Gills hay, and the associated infrastructure developments.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNo request has been received for central Government grant towards the Burwick and Gills bay terminals. In January 1989 Orkney Ferries plc requested to be considered for a tariff subsidy similar to that paid to P & O Ferries by my Department. I said at that time that I would want to see the ferry service in operation before considering such a request.