§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Transport what requests she has received for the sanction of capital expenditure to improve the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Irish car and passenger ferries, thus encouraging the public to holiday in the British Isles this year.
§ Mr. John MorrisBritish Railways' capacity on Irish services is materially increased this year following the conversion of one ship and the acquisition of another. Both projects had my right hon. Friend's approval.
She has also recently approved investment by the Railways Board in a new ferry for Isle of Wight services and in a new multi-purpose ship which will enable a further vessel to be transferred to Irish services.
The Railways Board's hovercraft capacity on the Isle of Wight run will also be much greater this year.
New terminal facilities at Swansea which my right hon. Friend recently approved will further increase capacity to and from Ireland.