§ 18. Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies have been made of the advantages to the Scottish tourist industry of a roll-on/roll- 462 off ferry connection with the Continent of Europe.
§ Mr. Gregor MacKenzieThe contribution of a direct ferry connection between Scotland and Northern Europe to the development of tourism is not in question. The Scottish Tourist Board is assessing the market for such a service with a view to persuading possible operators of its potential viability.
§ Mr. WilsonWill the right hon. Gentleman accept that I find that answer reasonably assuring, but will he also note that the nearest access point to Scotland for seagoing passenger traffic is Newcastle, and that that traffic has built up in recent years? Will he consider the possibility of helping to steer that access to Dundee, because it would be a tremendous boost to the port and city of Dundee if he were able to do so?
§ Mr. MacKenzieI should be very glad, and so would the Scottish Tourist Board, to see a regular ferry service between Scotland and a port in Northern Europe, but the Government do not have power to steer that. However, I assure the hon. Gentleman and others who are interested in this aspect of affairs that the Scottish Tourist Board has been making considerable efforts to persuade the ferry companies involved to consider ports in Scotland and, indeed, to ask major liner companies also to consider ports in Scotland, and that will continue.
§ Mr. WelshDoes the Minister agree that such a roll-on/roll-off ferry would be of great assistance to local industry and could help to create jobs in an area of very high unemployment?
§ Mr. MacKenzieI am conscious of the problems of Dundee, as is my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, but I am bound to tell the hon. Gentleman that there are other ports in Scotland which would have a claim, and I am sure he would agree that they should all be considered.