asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether in view of the recommendations of the Scottish Council's (Development and Industry) ad hoc joint committee on the problem of Highland transport, he will pay a subsidy to transport undertakings in the Highlands in order to lighten the burdens of transport costs.

Subsidies are already paid in respect of the steamer services operated by Messrs. David MacBrayne Limited, and of certain other steamer and boat services in the Highlands. The recommendations of the Cameron Committee did not include the payment of subsidies to other Highland transport undertakings.