§ 7. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Minister of Transport whether he will instruct the Transport Commission to use all their resources to put sufficient cross-channel ships into operation to render the use of sailing tickets to Northern Ireland unnecessary during holiday periods.
§ Mr. BarnesI am informed that sailing tickets will not be required on the British Transport Commission or other services to Northern Ireland during the Easter holiday. On British Transport Commission services, sailing tickets will not be required during the summer except at the holiday peaks, when they are of assistance to travellers in guaranteeing them a place on a particular sailing. On the other services, sailing tickets will probably be introduced about the beginning of July.
§ Sir R. RossAre not the resources of the Transport Commission sufficiently elastic to allow sufficient transport for holidays in the United Kingdom, in view of the restrictions on Continental travel?
§ Mr. BarnesThe hon. Gentleman is, no doubt, aware that other services are involved, as well as those of the British Transport Commission. If he will look at the reply he will note that it is only during the heavy holiday peak periods that the sailing tickets will be in force, and that is probably more for the convenience of passengers than for any other reason.
§ Sir R. RossIs the Minister aware that before the war sailing tickets were never necessary during these peak periods? Cannot he get back to that situation by supplying enough ships?
§ Professor SavoryDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that last year in the summer holidays several thousands of people were prevented from visiting Northern Ireland, in spite of their ardent desire to see the country, and will he try to do what he can to facilitate their journey?
§ Mr. BarnesI am afraid I cannot facilitate the journey of those thousands of people who were disappointed last year. I am dealing with this year's arrangements.