§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of profits made by Caledonian MacBrayne for the Kyle to Kyleakin ferry service in each of the last 15 years.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonDetails of operating deficits and surpluses analysed by area of operation are given in Caledonian MacBrayne's annual report and accounts which are presented annually to Parliament and are available in the Library. For reasons of commercial confidentiality the company does not disclose information about operating deficits and surpluses achieved on specific routes.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what subsidy is paid for the year 1991–92 to Caledonian MacBrayne to operate the Islay ferry service; what specific aspects of this service are in receipt of subsidy; and if he will make a statement.
485W
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 11 November 1991]: Under the terms of the undertaking between my right hon. Friend and Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd., deficit subsidy is paid to the company in support of services considered to be necessary to maintain or improve economic or social conditions in the Highlands and Islands. Deficit subsidy is therefore intended to eliminate the overall deficit incurred by the company in operating a network of approved services, and is not related to deficits incurred on specific routes. The company's annual report and accounts, which are presented to Parliament, identify the operating deficit incurred by Caledonian MacBrayne in providing ferry services in different areas, including Islay/Gigha. For reasons of commercial confidentiality, however, the company does not disclose detailed information about profits or losses incurred on individual routes.