Chamber
Plenary, 27 Mar 2003
27 Mar 2003 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Question Time
Ferry (Ballycastle to Campbeltown)
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
I share the concern that George Lyon has expressed to secure the service, to which we are committed. In that regard, because of the failure of bids coming forward, we have approached a number of shipping companies that we believe could conceivably run the service. We have inquired whether there are grounds on which we might be able to make that service happen with their support. It would not be appropriate to go into the names of those companies at this stage, but George Lyon should rest assured that every company that we believe is capable of running the service will be talked to about that matter.
Clearly, if the process fails, ministers would be required to look at what other process could be adopted in order to make the service happen. We want to explore every avenue and we will leave no stone unturned in the current tendering process and criteria to get that service in place.
Clearly, if the process fails, ministers would be required to look at what other process could be adopted in order to make the service happen. We want to explore every avenue and we will leave no stone unturned in the current tendering process and criteria to get that service in place.
In the same item of business
7. George Lyon (Argyll and Bute) (LD):
LD
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry tendering process. (S1O-6737)
The Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning (Lewis Macdonald):
Lab
A tendering process for subsidy to reinstate the service has not attracted any bids so we are now seeking to identify alternative means of reinstating the se...
George Lyon:
LD
I thank the minister for clarifying that matter. There is deep concern in Kintyre that despite the Scottish Executive offering £5 million in subsidy over the...
Lewis Macdonald:
Lab
I share the concern that George Lyon has expressed to secure the service, to which we are committed. In that regard, because of the failure of bids coming fo...
Mr Duncan Hamilton (Highlands and Islands) (SNP):
SNP
On positive alternatives, is the minister aware of the success of Neil MacCormick MEP in convincing the European Commission to treat peninsulas in the same w...
Lewis Macdonald:
Lab
I confirm that we have talked to the European Commission and have won the case that mainland-to-mainland routes are acceptable for PSOs. That is something th...