§ 24. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Minister of War Transport whether he has any statement to make as to restoring facilities for travel to Northern Ireland to their previous standard.
§ 25. Mr. Quintin Hoggasked the Minister of War Transport when he will be in a position to announce a better travel service to Northern Ireland and Eire.
§ The Minister of War Transport (Mr. Barnes)I hope that before Christmas two of the regular vessels, which are at present being reconditioned after release from war service, will be back on the Heysham-Belfast service. This will make a further vessel available for the Holyhead-Kings-town route and will enable sailings on the Liverpool-Belfast service to be increased to six a week in each direction. I also hope that before Christmas the Liverpool-Dublin service will be re-opened with three sailings a week in each direction and that an improved service will be provided between Glasgow and Belfast.
§ Sir R. RossCan the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to when the regular Liverpool-Belfast boats, of which there are two survivors, will again be available?
§ Mr. BarnesWhat I have stated is as far as I can state at the moment.
§ Sir Patrick HannonIs the right hon. Gentleman taking into account the improvement of the service between this country and Rosslare?
§ Mr. BarnesI am aware that that service must be restarted, but I cannot give any information at the present moment.
§ Mr. HoggWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the possibility of conferring with the Minister of Civil Aviation with a view to a further air service between the two countries?