§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what impact the securing of objective 1 status for the highlands and islands to EC structural funding would have upon the funding package of the bridge to Skye; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 7 December]: The level and scope of future structural fund support for the highlands and islands will be dependent on the outcome of negotiations on the future of the Community and the reform of the structural funds dues to be implemented on 1 January 1994. I cannot anticipate what view might be taken under the revised regulations of an application for assistance towards the cost of constructing the bridge to Skye.
§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards the application to other potential commercial operators of a prohibition622W similar to that imposed upon Caledonian MacBrayne in running a vehicle-carrying ferry in competition with the Skye bridge once complete; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 7 December]: My right hon. Friend has no power to prevent a private operator from providing such a service. Any private operator would, of course, require to satisfy the appropriate certification requirements for ferry operators.
§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations or advice he has received from the European Commission concerning sanctuaries in the vicinity of Kyle of Lochalsh, in the light of the construction of the bridge to Skye; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 7 December]: There have been no representations or advice received by my right hon. Friend from the European Commission concerning sanctuaries in the vicinity of Kyle of Lochalsh.