asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the ordering of ships for the shipping services to the North Isles of Orkney.

I have placed an order for a passenger-cargo ship with Messrs. Hall, Russell of Aberdeen. The ship is to be 150 ft. in length with a service speed of 12 knots and accommodation for 160 passengers under normal service conditions and 100 cattle. I expect the ship to be ready in about ten months. The ordering of a second vessel is still under consideration.