asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the pier on the island of South Fara in Orkney is excluded from the list of essential piers given in the annexe to Command Paper No. 7976.

No representations about landing facilities on the small island of South Fara have been made either to the Highlands Advisory Panel or myself. Should any representations be made I would, of course, consider them on their merits.

Can the Secretary of State say that it is his intention that every inhabited island should have a pier? As South Fara has some 20 inhabitants, does he not agree that its pier is essential?

I do not think I quite accept the hon. Gentleman's generalisation. It would be very expensive indeed. I would be glad to consider any case on its merits.