To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne; and what subjects were discussed.

My right hon. and learned Friend has not met the chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne since he took the company into his direct ownership on 2 April 1990. However, my noble Friend the then Minister of State and I met the chairman on 19 February shortly after his appointment. I also met the full board of the company on 25 June when we discussed a number of matters relating to Caledonian MacBrayne's current and future operations. As indicated in my reply of 8 June to the hon. Gentleman, regular and frequent discussions take place between officials of the Scottish Development Department and Caledonian MacBrayne.