HC Deb 29 March 1961 vol 637 cc1314-6
45. Sir S. Storey

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to implement the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Ferries in Great Britain, which reported in 1948, relating to the Flixton and Irlam ferry over the Manchester Ship Canal.

Mr. Hay

We have no evidence that there is any need at present for mechanically propelled craft at this ferry, which is operated by the canal company.

Sir S. Storey

Is my hon. Friend aware that this ferry joins two sections of classified road and that, when the canal was cut, a legal liability was placed upon the canal company to maintain a vehicle ferry? Is he aware that two recent attempts to take a vehicle over the ferry resulted in sixty-five minutes being taken to complete the journey in one case, while the other attempt had to be abandoned after three hours and twenty-five minutes?

Mr. Hay

That may well be, but my right hon. Friend has no responsibility in this matter. This ferry, as I said, is operated by the canal company, and in practice, I think, the position is that most vehicular traffic now goes by the alternative routes over the bridges at Barton High Level, which is a motorway, and the Barton Swing Bridge.

Mr. Lee

Is the Minister aware that many hundreds of the constituents of the hon. Member for Stretford (Sir S. Storey) and myself are today in some danger of not being able to travel to their places of employment because the canal company is not fulfilling the Act? Will he or his right hon. Friend agree to see the hon. Member and myself in order to discuss the matter?

Mr. Hay

Yes, Sir. Of course, both my right hon. Friend and I are always willing to see right hon. and hon. Members on problems of this kind.

Sir S. Storey

Is my hon. Friend aware that the detour he suggests adds four miles to the journey and that it uses a motorway which is not available for mopeds or cattle and horses, for which there was a legal liability on the canal company to provide transport?

Mr. Hay

There is, of course, the other route, the Barton Swing Bridge—[HON. MEMBER: "Miles away. Ask the Minister."]—and a little further downstream there is the Warburton Bridge.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that we should be very satisfied if he would consult his right hon. Friend?

Mr. Hay

I am delighted to hear the hon. Gentleman say that he will be satisfied if I consult my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Lee

Does the Minister realise that if the hon. Member for Stretford and I turned up at this ferry on horseback, the company would have to take us across, whereas people today trying to get to work in time are in some danger of not being able to do so?

Mr. Hay

I am sure that the whole House would like to see the hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend on horseback.