asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will propose a scheme for concessionary fares for retirement pensioners in Scotland which will include steamer fares.

No. Concessionary fares on public transport are a matter for the individual transport operator. Local authorities are, however, empowered to assist financially where bus operators introduce concessionary fares schemes for the elderly, the blind and the disabled. There are no specific powers which would enable a local authority to support similar schemes in relation to steamer and ferry services, although there are general powers enabling the subsidisation of ferry services to keep down charges generally or for particular classes of user.