asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has now received concerning the consequences for passenger services to Islay and Jura of his decision not to subsidise the operations of Western Ferries Ltd.

I have received a considerable number of representations from Islay, but none from Jura, following the announcement of my decision to give financial support to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. Almost all those who have written ask that Western Ferries also receive Government assistance.