HC Deb 12 November 1945 vol 415 cc1735-6
31. Sir R. Ross

asked the Minister of War Transport whether, in view of the delay owing to war service of the return of suitable ships to the Liverpool-Belfast service, he will allocate the s.s. "Leinster" to this service until the return of the "Ulster Monarch" class, or other appropriate vessels.

Mr. Barnes

The M.V. "Leinster" is being reconditioned and will be available for cross-channel service in the New Year. As I told the hon. Member on 29th October, arrangements are in hand which should enable the S.S. "Louth" to run on the Liverpool-Belfast service before the end of the year. This vessel, with the s.s. "Longford," will enable nightly sailings in each direction to be maintained on all week days.

Sir R. Ross

Is it not a fact that as the good ships on the Liverpool-Belfast service are not available, having been sunk or used on war service, the only good ship that still sails to Liverpool does not sail from Liverpool to Belfast?

Mr. Barnes

As the hon. Gentleman has been interested in this problem for some time, he knows the difficulties, and we are doing our best to satisfy the interests of all concerned.

Mr. Charles Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that he will do his best to assist the British Ulster people and not only those in Dublin?

Mr. Barnes

Yes, I will certainly give that undertaking.