§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many times Portsmouth Harbour has been closed to commercial shipping in the first two months of 1978; and how this compares with the same period last year.
§ Mr. DuffyPortsmouth Harbour has been closed to commercial shipping on one occasion during the first two months of this year. The harbour was closed from 0830 to 0900 on 11th January 1978. The closure was ordered when a commercial dredging hopper developed a steering defect during bad weather and anchored in the harbour entrance. The harbour was not closed during the first two months of 1977.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average period of time that Portsmouth Harbour is closed to commercial shipping; and on how many occasions during the past 12 months this has delayed the Isle of Wight ferry service by more than 10 minutes.
§ Mr. DuffyAs Portsmouth Harbour is closed to commercial shipping only during emergencies, an average period of closure cannot be quoted. Closure of the harbour has never delayed the Isle of Wight ferry service during the past 12 months.