§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the level of passenger traffic on the Thames in London; and what steps he is taking to increase the use of the Thames for passenger transport.
§ Mr. NorrisFrom the information available to my Department, current usage of the riverbus service amounted to 400,000 passenger trips in 1991. In 1990—the latest year for which figures are available—the estimated total of passenger trips on Thames pleasure boat services was 2.5 million, with a further 2 million using the Woolwich ferry.
I am keen to encourage greater use of the River Thames for freight as well as passengers. My officials will continue their discussions with river users and their representatives to explore the potential for development.