asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, owing to the withdrawal of the mail subsidy, the steamship service on Loch Shiel will terminate; that the population served is gravely concerned about the threatened loss of this service, and the inconvenience and loss that will be entailed thereby; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard this service in the public interest?

I have received a number of communications on this subject and am examining the question whether any steps can be taken to meet the request for continuance of the steamer service after the expiry of the existing mail contract.