Written Question · S2W-13313 · Session 2
Whether it will not make a ministerial statement or lodge a motion for debate on the future of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services and, i…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will not make a ministerial statement or lodge a motion for debate on the future of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services and, in particular, the issue of tendering and whether tendering is necessary, until such time as there has been a reasonable opportunity for those MSPs who wish to hold a meeting with the European Commission officials to do so and whether the Minister for Transport will discuss the timing of any such statement or debate with MSPs from opposition parties.
The answer
During the parliamentary debate on ferry services on 8 December 2004, the Parliament expressed concerns regarding the tendering process. I agreed to discuss these concerns with the European Commission and raised this issue with the European Transport Commissioner, M Barrot, when I met him in Brussels on 9 December. Following that meeting I wrote to M Barrot asking whether there was any way, within the terms of European law to allow the Clyde and Hebrides services to continue to be delivered on a subsidised basis without the need to tender. Further discussions are taking place between the Executive and the European Commission and I will report back to Parliament on this issue as soon as possible.
I appreciate members’ concerns on this issue and propose to hold appropriate consultations with all MSPs with an interest.
I appreciate members’ concerns on this issue and propose to hold appropriate consultations with all MSPs with an interest.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-13313 by reference.