HC Deb 17 January 1968 vol 756 cc1781-2
28. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Minister of Transport what capital improvements are planned for ferry services to the Isle of Wight.

Mr. John Morris

My right hon. Friend has recently approved an expenditure of £275,000 gross by British Railways on the construction of an additional passenger and vehicle ferry for the Portsmouth to Fishbourne service. For 1968, too, the Board plan to introduce H.M.2 hovercraft on the Isle of Wight service.

Mr. Mitchell

Would the Minister indicate when a start is to be made on this? Will it be in time to help relieve the pressing unemployment in some of our shipbuilding areas?

Mr. Morris

Yes. This proposal of British Railways was urgently considered, and they will place an order as soon as possible. There is a hope that the physical work will start this winter.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Will the Minisster also bear in mind that the railways have made heavy losses over the running of hovercraft in the Solent and should not be encouraged in continuing to make losses when they are already making a £150 million loss?

Mr. Morris

I have not got the figures with me, but I am sure everyone will welcome the innovation of hovercraft services which, obviously, are still in their experimental stage. We hope for great things from them.