HC Deb 25 February 1983 vol 37 cc548-9W
Mr Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport for which car ferry crossings—floating bridges—his Department is responsible.

Mrs Chalker

Ferries are generally owned or operated by local authorities, harbour undertakings or private operators, but fares on the following four ferry services must be approved by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport:

  • Blyth—Cambois in Northumberland
  • Bournemouth—Swanage in Dorset
  • Dartmouth—Kingswear (Higher Ferry) in Devon
  • Renfrew Ferry across the River Clyde

Certain ferries may not be closed without the consent of the Secretary of State, and under section 2 of the Ferries (Acquisition by Local Authorities) Act 1919 he is the confirming authority for regulations regarding the working of ferries acquired by local authorities under that Act.

Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list his powers to assume responsibility for car ferry crossings—floating bridges—currently undertaken by local authorities.

Mrs. Chalker

None.