Chamber
Plenary, 26 Mar 2003
26 Mar 2003 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Island Transport
I am grateful for that intervention.
The point that comes out of that is that whether it involves working with the Republic of Ireland, Ayrshire or anywhere else we must be creative about what we do to secure the future of that ferry route, because in many ways it is the final hope for Campbeltown. George Lyon will remember well that it was the big issue in Campbeltown in 1998 ahead of the elections; we are talking about the same issue as we come to the elections in 2003, so I urge the Executive to focus on the issue.
It will come as no surprise to members that I will mention the Barra air route, which is about more than Barra. We had a debate not long ago about the future of PSOs and what was being shown by the debate about Barra. Members will note that the review period has been extended by two years, but it is only an extension of the review period. In the context of the motion, the question that is before us is: what is being reviewed? Is it the potential of PSOs? What is the point of the review? We have been told that it is about value for money, but if it is about value for money and there is to be a transport appraisal—I hope there will be; there has not been one in the past—Barra and other communities, whether Campbeltown, Tiree or elsewhere, are worried about the prospect of the principle of PSOs being diminished at the very time when the report to which Tavish Scott referred is arguing for the reverse. It argues for an expansion of PSOs, so the idea that that principle should be in any way under review leaves us with a great deal of doubt.
The report makes the obvious point, which is worth reiterating, that achieving the appropriate frequency of services and reduction in the cost of travel might in the shorter term require additional funding. However, the point is that the routes themselves—never mind the economic spin-off on either side of the routes—will be of benefit to the communities and the public purse. I welcome the HITRANS report.
This morning, we discussed the powers that the Parliament might in the future have over economic development. There are many things that Parliament cannot do, but the expansion of PSOs is something that we could do. The impact that we could have on our remote, rural and island communities by securing those routes and by multiplying the number of routes to get nearer to or above the European average is a matter on which the Executive could take a lead. That would be a positive step that would not require additional powers; it would require merely the will to take the step. If today's debate has given us the opportunity to put forward that proposal on a united basis, I welcome the debate for that reason.
The point that comes out of that is that whether it involves working with the Republic of Ireland, Ayrshire or anywhere else we must be creative about what we do to secure the future of that ferry route, because in many ways it is the final hope for Campbeltown. George Lyon will remember well that it was the big issue in Campbeltown in 1998 ahead of the elections; we are talking about the same issue as we come to the elections in 2003, so I urge the Executive to focus on the issue.
It will come as no surprise to members that I will mention the Barra air route, which is about more than Barra. We had a debate not long ago about the future of PSOs and what was being shown by the debate about Barra. Members will note that the review period has been extended by two years, but it is only an extension of the review period. In the context of the motion, the question that is before us is: what is being reviewed? Is it the potential of PSOs? What is the point of the review? We have been told that it is about value for money, but if it is about value for money and there is to be a transport appraisal—I hope there will be; there has not been one in the past—Barra and other communities, whether Campbeltown, Tiree or elsewhere, are worried about the prospect of the principle of PSOs being diminished at the very time when the report to which Tavish Scott referred is arguing for the reverse. It argues for an expansion of PSOs, so the idea that that principle should be in any way under review leaves us with a great deal of doubt.
The report makes the obvious point, which is worth reiterating, that achieving the appropriate frequency of services and reduction in the cost of travel might in the shorter term require additional funding. However, the point is that the routes themselves—never mind the economic spin-off on either side of the routes—will be of benefit to the communities and the public purse. I welcome the HITRANS report.
This morning, we discussed the powers that the Parliament might in the future have over economic development. There are many things that Parliament cannot do, but the expansion of PSOs is something that we could do. The impact that we could have on our remote, rural and island communities by securing those routes and by multiplying the number of routes to get nearer to or above the European average is a matter on which the Executive could take a lead. That would be a positive step that would not require additional powers; it would require merely the will to take the step. If today's debate has given us the opportunity to put forward that proposal on a united basis, I welcome the debate for that reason.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid):
SNP
The final item of business today is a members' business debate on motion S1M-4003, in the name of Tavish Scott, on island transport.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament recognises that reliable, regular and affordable air and sea transport links are vital to the social and economic well-being of the Scott...
Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD):
LD
I have a desperate desire not to be the most expensive MSP on our annual list. Thankfully, the Daily Mail is read by few people in Shetland—
The Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Allan Wilson):
Lab
Or anywhere else.
Tavish Scott:
LD
Indeed. When that newspaper prints rough articles with me at the top of the list, I accept that as part of politics. However, the cost of flying to and from ...
Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray) (SNP):
SNP
I agree with what the member says. Does he realise that one could have a fortnight on a Greek island in a self-catering apartment for the cost of travelling ...
Tavish Scott:
LD
I have had that holiday on a Greek island in self-catering accommodation—with my wife, I may add—for the cost of flying to Shetland. As Margaret Ewing said, ...
Fergus Ewing (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber) (SNP):
SNP
I entirely agree with the virtuous-circle argument that Tavish Scott has advanced. Does he accept that the granting of a PSO to secure the Inverness to Londo...
Tavish Scott:
LD
That is a different issue and concerns the use of PSOs to guarantee slots. Mr Ewing and other members have made that argument, which is a fair one. My belief...
Maureen Macmillan (Highlands and Islands) (Lab):
Lab
I am an MSP for the Highlands and Islands and therefore have probably travelled the islands from Unst to Islay and Skye to Stornoway more than most. Doing so...
Mr Duncan Hamilton (Highlands and Islands) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Tavish Scott on securing the debate. I should also say that I agree with just about everything that he said, which is a strange, but nonethele...
Dr Winnie Ewing (Highlands and Islands) (SNP):
SNP
In my past life in the European Parliament, there was tremendous agreement among the Irish MEPs from the north and south and from all parties and people like...
Mr Hamilton:
SNP
I am grateful for that intervention.The point that comes out of that is that whether it involves working with the Republic of Ireland, Ayrshire or anywhere e...
Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
I congratulate Tavish Scott on securing the debate. I agree that the Scottish Executive should take the opportunity to provide the islands with a properly in...
Tavish Scott:
LD
Will Jamie McGrigor say which new boats the Tories brought into service during their 18 years in power?
Mr McGrigor:
Con
Which new boats?
Tavish Scott:
LD
I mean boats for the northern isles.
Mr McGrigor:
Con
All I know is that P&O Scottish Ferries provided a better service than NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd does. That company has hardly been a success...
Fergus Ewing:
SNP
Will the member give way?
Mr McGrigor:
Con
No.The new ship that should be servicing Orkney is tied up at the pier in Leith beside the offices of the Scottish Executive.What does Tavish Scott mean by a...
Mr Jim Wallace (Orkney) (LD):
LD
Jamie McGrigor's speech was strong on rhetoric but light on facts. He should find out more about the subject on which he is speaking before he starts to make...
Fergus Ewing (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber) (SNP):
SNP
Along with other members, I attended the presentation at Edinburgh City Chambers that HITRANS gave on its imaginative and ingenious proposals. The presentati...
John Farquhar Munro (Ross, Skye and Inverness West) (LD):
LD
I thank Tavish Scott for bringing the debate to Parliament. This is one of the last debates that we will have before Parliament closes down tomorrow evening....
George Lyon (Argyll and Bute) (LD):
LD
I, too, congratulate Tavish Scott on securing the debate, which has been constructive, apart from one speech, which was inappropriate to a members' debate. S...
The Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning (Lewis Macdonald):
Lab
I congratulate Tavish Scott on securing the debate and will reflect on the comments that have been made.The Scottish Executive is fully committed to maintain...
Fergus Ewing:
SNP
Will the minister give way?
Lewis Macdonald:
Lab
It is an early intervention, Mr Ewing.
Fergus Ewing:
SNP
Why is it that countries such as France implement PSOs without such an endless series of reviews?
Lewis Macdonald:
Lab
Far from being in the midst of an endless series of reviews, we are in the midst of a large-scale consultation on aviation strategy not only for Scotland and...