Chamber
Plenary, 26 Mar 2003
26 Mar 2003 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Island Transport
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 not only for now but for the entire United Kingdom and for the next 30 years. Mr Ewing will be familiar with that consultation. Given our position in the air transport networks of western Europe, it is clearly vital that we make a full contribution to that consultation. It is also vital that the case that we make for our aviation priorities be married with the case made for the priorities of the rest of the UK.
However, I am not arguing against change. There has been a long-standing commitment on the part of Scottish ministers and island authorities to support a number of services that are not commercially tenable but which are vital for the economic and social well-being of the communities served. The imposition of PSOs on air services that were previously run on a commercial basis has not happened anywhere in Britain to date.
We have supported the case for such a PSO on the route from Inverness to Gatwick. As with other matters, that case has been subsumed by the wider consultation on air transport during which new services from Inverness have come on stream. We are happy that UK ministers take their time in considering a Gatwick PSO and that they should do so in the wider context of regional access to London-system airports and the future development of air transport throughout the UK as a whole.
However, I am not arguing against change. There has been a long-standing commitment on the part of Scottish ministers and island authorities to support a number of services that are not commercially tenable but which are vital for the economic and social well-being of the communities served. The imposition of PSOs on air services that were previously run on a commercial basis has not happened anywhere in Britain to date.
We have supported the case for such a PSO on the route from Inverness to Gatwick. As with other matters, that case has been subsumed by the wider consultation on air transport during which new services from Inverness have come on stream. We are happy that UK ministers take their time in considering a Gatwick PSO and that they should do so in the wider context of regional access to London-system airports and the future development of air transport throughout the UK as a whole.
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...