asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will conduct an examination of the burden of transport costs to the islands, and, in particular, consider the desirability of a voucher system for petrol in the special case of these areas.

My right hon. Friend is reviewing the question of shipping services to the islands, with particular reference to finance and charges, and hopes to make a statement shortly. On the effect of higher petrol prices on persons living in remote areas I refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Energy to the hon. Members for Bodmin (Mr. Hicks) and for Norfolk, South (Mr. MacGregor) on 20th January.—[Vol. 884, c. 994–96; 1004–5.]