§ Mr. McGradyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many days the Strangford-Portaferry ferry operated up until 31 March; how many days it has operated since 1 April; what are the running costs of this ferry; and what are the long term plans for the StrangfordPortaferry ferry service.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe combined passenger and vehicle ferry service operated on 349 days out of a possible 364 days during the period 1 April 1986 to 31 March 1987 and on 209 days out of a possible 209 days during the period 1 April 1987 to 24 October 1987.
The net running costs (running costs less receipts from tolls) in the financial year 1986–87 were £185,000.
Currently there arc no plans for major operational changes in the long term. The Department's aim is to provide an efficient and reliable service.