§ Mr. KynochTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for shipping subsidies for sea transport services in the Highlands and Islands in 1993–94; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangSubject to parliamentary approval of the estimates, I propose to make available in 1993–94 total subsidy provision of £15.129 million as compared with £13.657 million in 1992–93. This represents an increase of 10.8 per cent. over last year's level of provision. The deficit subsidy for Caledonian MacBrayne will be £7.165 million. For services to Orkney and Shetland, tariff rebate subsidies of up to £6.679 million will be made available. Up to £1.285 million will be available for other coastal shippers operating on the west coast of Scotland.
This substantial increase in financial support for shipping services clearly affirms the Government's continuing commitment to assist essential sea transport services to the western and northern isles.