§ 67. Mr. McNamaraasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received concerning the establishment of a hovercraft service between Hull and Grimsby; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuNone, Sir.
§ Mr. McNamaraIs my hon. Friend aware that there has been a great deal of discussion about the possibility of a hovercraft service from Hull to Grimsby, and if the scheme does not come to fruition can he ensure that that is not used as an excuse to close the railway services between Grimsby and Barton-on-Humber, which many people think would have grave consequences on the economic future of the area?
§ Mr. MallalieuI am aware of what is contained in the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, but the second part does not come under my purview.
§ Mr. James JohnsonIs the Minister of State aware that we have the biggest 2136 deep-sea fishing industry in the world based on the Humber, but that the north bank and the south bank are completely isolated and that until we have the bridge —which, of course, we hope to get in the near future—we have no means except the ferry of getting over the Humber? Will not my hon. Friend think again about this matter?
§ Mr. MallalieuIt is not a question of thinking again. It is not a question of my preventing. There is nothing to stop the establishment of a hovercraft service over the Humber. Such a service has been highly satisfactory over the Solent, and there is no reason why it should not be equally satisfactory over the Humber.