§ 7. Mr. Teelingasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the pleasure steamer company on the South Coast have announced the impending closing down of their pleasure cruise services; and whether he will consult the Home Office and other 192 Departments concerned with a view to keeping the service running by the relaxation of the present passport requirements which hinder day cruises to continental coastal towns.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftYes, Sir, I am consulting the other Ministers concerned.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes my right hon. Friend realise that unless we can do something about this fairly soon, the company which has run these trips for the last 50 years feels it can no longer run them along the South Coast from Worthing to Eastbourne and Hastings and also to the South-East Coast? Will my right hon. Friend, if he consults with his right hon. Friends, allow a deputation of town clerks and Members of South Coast constituencies to come to see him to discuss it with him?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftPerhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to consult my colleagues first of all.