To ask the Scottish Executive what ferry service arrangements for passengers, freight and livestock between Orkney and Shetland and the mainland will be in place between 1 March and 1 October 2002. P&O Scottish Ferries have stated publicly their willingness to continue operating the existing service for the extension period from 1 April to 30 September 2002 and I welcome that commitment.We have had extensive discussions with P&O Scottish Ferries on the full range of issues relating to the proposed contract extension.