§ Miss Wilkinsonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Jarrow Ferries Committee have given notice to the ferry employÉs to terminate their employment on 31st December, as the town is no longer able to bear its share of the cost of maintaining and operating the ferry; and whether, in view of the serious interruption to much Tyne 402W traffic and the inconvenience to men working at Wallsend if the ferry is closed, he will consider a further grant in aid to enable the ferry to be carried on until some decision is reached regarding the Tyne Tunnel or alternative services?
§ Mr. BurginI am aware of the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member. I am already making the maximum grant possible towards the maintenance of the ferry and have offered a grant on similar terms to any necessary repairs, etc., and I would remind the hon. Member that the county councils, although they are the responsible highway authorities for the classified roads served by the ferry, have contributed nothing.
I may add that I propose to visit the Tyneside area on 18th November, when I hope to have an opportunity of discussing with the various interests concerned the general questions of cross-Tyne communications.