HC Deb 21 February 1979 vol 963 cc418-20
25. Mr. John Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to hold a public inquiry into the proposed closure of the Humber ferry.

Mr. Horam

No formal notice of the proposed date of closure of the Humber ferry has yet been given by Sealink, which operates the service. It would not be for me to hold a public inquiry, but the local transport users' consultative committee may decide to do so.

Mr. Ellis

Does my hon. Friend agree that the opening of the Humber bridge and the possible closure of the ferry will alter the whole traffic infrastructure—the complicated bus routes and the rest—and that ordinary people have a contribution to make? Therefore, rather than let this matter drag on as the opening date for the bridge goes back and back, will my hon. Friend use his influence to have the inquiry now so that everyone can have his point of view made known? It is possible that there may be a case for retaining a passenger-only ferry. All these matters have to be gone into, but things are dragging on, until one day the bridge will be opened and everyone will say "That is it". It will be very unsatisfactory.

Mr. Speaker

Order. Did not the hon. Gentleman say that he never took advantage of my good nature?

Mr. Horam

In reply to the substance of my hon. Friend's question, it is possible for anyone who uses the ferry to appeal to the transport users' consultative committee to hold a public inquiry when—and if—British Rail indicates that it is finishing the service on the ferry. That allows adequate time for all people in the area to make their points to a public inquiry. I think that that is the right forum. In the meantime, I take note of the points which my hon. Friend has made. Perhaps he should address his remarks to Humberside county council, too, which also has some responsibilities in this matter.

Mr. Brotherton

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be a good idea to keep the ferry going, because it loses very little money indeed, rather than pour money down the drain to the tune of £100 million on this useless bridge?

Mr. Horram

I am glad to see that the hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Scunthorpe (Mr. Ellis) are at last in agreement, though I am not sure whether they will both welcome that.

Mr. McNamara

That is a most unhappy alliance for the House, and one expects that from the south bank of the Humber. Is my hon. Friend aware that there is concern about whether we maintain a passenger ferry when the bridge is opened since, if we have weather such as we have had recently, or high winds, it may well be possible that the bridge cannot be used and an important route will be needed for taking people from the south bank to places on the north bank?

Mr. Horam

Yes, I take that point, but the inquiry may well decide that a ferry should continue in existence in spite of the building of the bridge. It is perfectly possible that it could so decide.