HL Deb 09 May 1968 vol 291 cc1555-6
THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans the British Railways have to order a second S.R.N. 4 Hovercraft to ensure a reliable Hovercraft cross-channel service; and whether any delay in the opening of this new service is expected.]

LORD HILTON OF UPTON

My Lords, I understand that the British Railways Board are considering whether they should acquire a second S.R.N. 4 hover- craft, but have not yet put any proposal about this to my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport. At present they anticipate no delay in their hovercraft cross-channel service, which they hope to start in August.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply, may I ask whether the Government would not agree that one hovercraft cannot possibly offer a reliable new service? Would the Government also press the Railways Board for an early decision in this matter—it has been going on for some time now—to demonstrate that they have confidence in hovercraft, and allow the British Hovercraft Corporation a chance to deliver a second hovercraft in time for the new service?

LORD HILTON OF UPTON

My Lords, since it is not proposed to start this service before August of this year I think it can really be regarded as a trial run this year; and as £1- million in involved in the purchase of another hovercraft it would be wise to ensure that the first one is satisfactory in every respect before embarking further on this scheme. There is the further point that my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport has no power to direct the Railways to buy the hovercraft.

LORD GLADWYN

My Lords, may I ask whether the Government do not feel that the installation of a reliable hovercraft cross-channel service might adversely affect the possibility of any profits on the proposed Channel tunnel?