§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he proposes to prohibit Caledonian MacBrayne from running a vehicle-carrying ferry between Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin following the completion of the Skye bridge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend will not permit Caledonian MacBrayne to provide such a service. At the time when it became necessary to introduce new vessels on the Kyle of Lochalsh-Kyleakin service in 1991, approval was given by the Department on the basis that, when the bridge was completed, the ferry service would be withdrawn and Caledonian MacBrayne would redeploy the vessels elsewhere in the network.
§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his policy will be, following construction of the Skye bridge, towards the existing piers at Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin(a) in respect of allowing vehicular access to the piers for the purposes of (i) enabling regular vehicle-carrying ferry service to operate in competition with the bridge and (ii) providing an emergency vehicle-carrying ferry service at times of emergency closure of the bridge and (b) in other respects; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend has no authority over the existing Kyleakin pier which is owned by the Highland regional council.
- (a) (i) should a private vehicle ferry service wish to operate between Kyle and Kyleakin, an operator could do so providing the necessary approvals and licences were obtained and the appropriate facilities were available.
- (ii) as the bridge will be open at all times, except on occasions to high sided vehicles, there will be no need for an emergency vehicle ferry service.
- (b) The Scottish Office are co-operating with Highland regional council to develop a package of measures aimed at improving the environment and amenity in Kyle to make the maximum use of the opportunity offered by the Skye bridge.