§ 48. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether in view of the periodical breakdown of the Howden-Jarrow ferry, he will order an inquiry into the facilities available for cross-river communications in order to maintain regular work on the River Tyne.
§ Mr. NugentI am aware that inconvenience has been caused from time to time by the withdrawal of the ferry boat for various reasons. Alternative routes for cars are of course available and pedestrians and cyclists can use the existing tunnel. In our view the real answer to this problem is the building of the new tunnel; in the meantime I am getting into touch with the two county councils concerned to consider what can be done to keep the ferry in satisfactory service during the intervening period.
§ Dame Irene WardWhile thanking the Joint Parliamentary Secretary for his Answer about this ridiculous old ferry, may I ask him to be so kind as to say that a shot in the arm is coming to the responsible authorities in order that frustration and irritation on Tyneside may be relieved?
§ Mr. NugentI will not say whose arm is to have the shot in it, but I will do my best about it.