§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland by what date final tender proposals have to be submitted to his Department in respect of the provision of passenger ferry services for the Northern Isles. [14872]
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 10 February 1997]: The shipping operators who are competing for the award of subsidy under the new block grant arrangements for the support of passenger ferry services to the Northern Isles have been asked to submit their tenders by Monday 24 February 1997.