HC Deb 02 April 1996 vol 275 c124W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the ferry service between Ballycastle and Campbeltown will commence operation; and if he will make a statement. [23817]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I have been asked to reply. The target date for the commencement of the proposed new ferry service, set by the sponsors of the project, Argyll and the Islands Enterprise and Moyle district council, is 1 May 1997, subject to the availability of the terminals at both Campbeltown and Ballycastle. The Government are considering the proposal made by the project sponsors that Caledonian MacBrayne should be allowed to operate the service and fully recognise the need for an early decision on this matter.