§ Mr. Garry Allighanasked the Minister of War Transport whether he is aware that the ferry service between Gravesend and Tilbury, operated by the L.M.S. Rail- 582W way Company, employs boats which run overcrowded and in other ways are both inadequate and dangerous; and whether he will cause a public inquiry to be held.
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir. The ferry boats all hold passenger certificates issued by my Department after survey by my surveyors, and I have no reason to believe that the boats are either inadequate or dangerous or that the numbers of passengers allowed by their certificates, which amount to 850 in one case and over 600 in two other cases, are exceeded. I should be glad if my hon. Friend would send to me the evidence in his possession substantiating the allegations contained in the Question.