§ 9. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Minister of Transport what general directions he has given to the British Transport Commission as to cross-channel services.
§ Mr. BarnesNone, Sir.
§ Sir R. RossHas the right hon. Gentleman, having nationalised so much cross-Channel shipping, any word to say about how it should be employed?
§ Mr. BarnesI indicated to the hon. Member last week that the Commission are putting all the available shipping they can spare on these routes. They are adequately catered for, except at peak periods.
§ Sir R. RossHas the right hon. Gentleman given instructions for any ship or ships to be transferred from the Irish cross-channels routes to the Continental routes?
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir. I have given no such instructions.
§ Professor SavoryDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise the desirability of linking up to the utmost two portions of the United Kingdom—Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. BarnesYes, Sir, and on the whole that is done very effectively.
§ Major Tufton BeamishWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he has no intention of diverting passenger traffic or cargo traffic from the port of Newhaven, and is he aware of the great concern caused locally by this apparent diversion?
§ Mr. BarnesI have already indicated that it is not my intention to give any such instructions in such matters.