asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of expenditure on subsidies in the current year in respect of ferry and air services, respectively, to the Scottish island communities.

Details of the estimated expenditure on grants and loans for which I am responsible are set out below:

	1975–76
Revenue and capital grants and capital loans under the Highlands and Islands Shipping Act 1960	£3,600,000
Grants and loans for piers, harbours and terminals under the Congested Districts (Scotland) Act 1897	£2,888,000
Local Employment Act 1972	£1,000
Grant aid under Section 34 of the Transport Act 1968 for rural ferry services assisted by local authorities	£25,000

I am seeking powers in the Scottish Development Agency (No. 2) Bill which is at present before Parliament to give assistance to operators of air services in the Highlands and Islands. I estimate that the amount of grant in the current financial year will be about £120,000.